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THE MEDICAL ADVISER 



IS A RELIABLE GUIDE FOR THE 




MANAGEMENT OF DISEASES 



Giying the Causes of Diseases, 
The Symptoms of the Various 
Diseases, the Prevention and 
Treatment of all Diseases of 

BOTH SEXES OF ALL AGES 

Gives Directions for Treating 

WOUNDS, INJURIES, POISONS, ETC. 

Gives a Brief Account of the 
Structure and Functions of 
the Human Body, Care of the 
Sick, Directions for Preserv- 
ing the Health, and a Large 
Amount of Knowledge of the 
Living Economy 



By DR. ELIZABETH EMMA COBB. 



© - t f r 



HOSTETLER PRINTING HOUSE. 

DECATUR, ILL. 

1903 






THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Receivoc 

AUG 31 1003 

S Copyright Entry 

MM*/ n — /Bos 

CUSS r_ XXc. No 
COPY 




Entered according to Act of Congress 

in the year 1903 by 

Elizabeth Emma Cobb, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress, 

at Washington. 









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PREFACE. 



Let every one know himself and the laws which govern his 
being — know the body in health and disease, how to preserve 
his health and how to cure his ailments. This should constitute 
a part of the common school education of every girl and boy. 
Bad health incapacitates both body and mind. The common- 
place observer must admit this. The clearest minds are found 
only in the healthiest temples, or bodies ; also the highest aspira- 
tions and the purest morals. Ill health thwarts every attempt 
to succeed in any line of business. 

Life is a struggle for bread — for existence; if the body and 
mind are incapacitated to be active in the struggle, the result 
is disastrous and the struggle is unequal. The human family 
should not be kept in ignorance of the prevention of disease, 
nor the cure of disease, that the body and mind may be capable 
of engaging in the straggle for bread and prosecuting it to suc- 
cess. Knowing how to properly care for the body, much suf- 
fering, that is the increasing lot of many, would be prevented 
and many of the unavoidable ailments would have care which, 
under the existing circumstances, do not nor can not. 

It is not commendable to any nation that she have unduly 
large numbers of living-dead — maimed, decrepit — among its peo- 
ple, and large and many institutions filled with disabled and 



4 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

incapacitated. Instead of its being commendable it bespeaks a 
gross badness in the habits, and gross ignorance of its people — 
not wholly confined to the lay people, but embodies the guar- 
dian of its health, the doctor, and is prophetic of a volcanic 
eruption in the economy of that nation or community. 

No one can know too much of the proper care of the body, 
and the prevention of and cure of its ailments. Every person 
of ordinary intelligence can learn very much of this knowledge, 
which is just as essential to the well being of every individual 
as a supply of wholesome food, pure drinking water, comfort- 
able clothing and a comfortable place of abode. To obtain 
this knowledge is not only the personal right of every individual, 
but a personal duty. Every one has more time to devote to 
learning how to care for his or her health, and caring for it to 
prevent disease, than to lose in long spells of sickness and suf- 
fering, which is only a small portion of the loss entailed. 

The Author. 



Mb 



ADDRESS. 



One of the first essentials in the outsetting of life, and just 
as essential as the oven for baking bread, is a reliable guide- 
book for aiding in caring for the health of the family. To pre- 
sume that a physician can be consulted for every ailment arising 
from various and many causes, is presuming an impossibility. 
Aside from physicians not being able to respond to so many calls 
as would be made upon them, there is scarcely one family in five 
hundred which could supply finance to pay for such service, not even 
if they should use every cent that their business ability and lot in 
life command, for that purpose. Hence it is absolutely necessary 
that the heads of families know of remedies and means, and 
how to use them, for preserving health and relieving suffering. 

As the care of the human family devolves upon the mother 
from the nature of her relation to it, it is the mother, especially, 
who needs this knowledge. And I may say that not only 
mothers, but every woman should know more of the subjects per- 
taining to the human body and health. 

To the mothers especially I address these pages, and em- 
bodying the subject matter in plain language, easily under- 
stood, I trust that the facts, remedies and instructions con- 
tained herein may be the ready help to many mothers of homes. 
It is not only woman's privilege but her duty to know every- 
thing about herself in any situation in which she may be placed, 
and to be able to take care of her health intelligently. Not 
only is it her essential duty to have this knowledge of herself, 
but of her husband, her son and daughter, also. 

Every man and woman, from the child beginning to talk 
to the limit of life we live, should know all possible of the care 
of health. That the child from three years old, or less, can 
learn something in the caring for its own health, is evidenced 
by its learning to conform its natural habits to the day, instead 
of any time in the twenty-four hours, as is its condition in its 
first months of life. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



I trust that the instructions herein contained will not lead 
any one into injudicious medication, but that they will be the 
means of preventing much sickness and alleviating much suffer- 
ing, preventing large doctor's bills, and also of saving many 
valuable lives that might otherwise meet an untimely end. Sick- 
ness is a many-headed monster — many channels through which 
it robs the individual or family. It incapacitates the individual 
physically and weakens mentally for the active duties of life, 
and consuming time deprives of beginning many valuable un- 
dertakings with any degree of hope to realize much degree of 
completion ; also it consumes both time and strength of neces- 
sary attendants, and consumes the substance of the home 
economy. 

If we are deprived of our worldly substances we may replace 
them if we have a healthy body and healthy mind, but depriva- 
tion of bodily health and mental health is an irreparable loss. 
It is strongly promulgated by self-interested persons that the 
lay-people can not understand anything of the nature and needs 
of sickness, and hence can do nothing for themselves to prevent 
sickness or to cure it; but this is absurd in the extreme, as it 
is a well known fact that those people who have had access 
to obtain even meager knowledge of these subjects seldom call 
a physician, and that the greatest number of those who do 
call a physician (except for accident) belongs to one or the other 
of two classes, namely : those who by environment are deprived 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 7 

of the comforts so necessary to health, of knowledge of how to 
care for themselves (or both), and that class of people who 
have given themselves over to vile habits and have thereby des- 
troyed both bodily and mental capabilities for anything valu- 
able or intelligent. Show me the woman of ordinary, common 
sense, who is provided with a reliable domestic medical work, 
who can not be able to attend to all ordinary ailments in her 
family, and I will show you a natural curiosity. 

1 have not confined myself to the materia medicas only, 
which are claimed by the profession as being curative, but have 
included remedies which have proven successful in other hands. 

There are thousands of remedies manufactured, but very 
far less than one hundred will cure all curable diseases. The 
multiplicity of remedies and the multiplicity of religiousisms 
keep quite parallel with each other, and there is a modus ope- 
randi associated with each very similar. The spirit of "this 
way," "this way," "right here is the place to get the worth 
of your money back," imbues both channels about equally. Idi- 
ocies are held onto with as much vim in the one channel as the 
other, and by both equally destructive, to the physical well- 
being by the one and the moral well-being by the other. Many 
ministers preach Christianity to consist of an incomprehensible 
something that even people of common sense should not expect 
to understand, thus teaching their hearers that they should con- 
form their ways to and worship a God whom they can not 
understand; and many physicians promulgate the idea that 
there is a kind of specific mysticism in the cure of disease that 
can only be comprehended by themselves. So thoroughly have 
people been educated to these doctrines that many of them 
swallow monstrous incongruous potions without stopping to 
dissect the stuff, and the monstrosity of society is the result. 
Half of the human family can not be held in ignorance and the 



8 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

best interests of the whole human family be conserved, neither 
can one class of people be held in helpless dependence, and the 
other class dominant, without proving equally destructive to 
both. 

Two things can not be syndicated without universal de- 
struction following, viz.: Christian knowledge and knowledge 
of the care of our health and the cure of disease. True Chris- 
tian enlightenment is the only means of safety to the morals 
of the human family; and a knowledge of the prevention of 
and curt of disease is essential to every individual as a security 
to vigorous physical development and perpetuity of health, by 
which only is assurance of active ability to provide for tempo- 
ral needs and promote longevity. On these two depend the 
successful happiness, welfare and comfort of life. 

The Author. 



LIFE AND DEATH. 



In order to be intelligently able to properly care for the 
human body both in health and sickness, and also, as a means 
of moral and intelligent improvement, it is necessary first, to 
know something of its structure, its functions, and its needs. 
While searching for this knowledge our path will be surrounded 
with much of joyous, bustling, brimming life, yet we cannot go 
on our journey without death, also, keeping a close companion, 
and we will even be compelled to look into his charnel-house, 
and view his ghastly scenes. 

The human body, being composed of perishable matter, is 
subject to change, wear-out, decay — death. It is as a machine, 
which, while all of its parts and functions are working in har- 
mony, it runs smoothly, and we say of ourselves — we are well 
— in good health. Because of matter being perishable, subject 
to change and wear-out, inevitably discord will occur, and a 
sluggish, feeble, and jarring running of the machine, a com- 
plete stopping, or, what we call disease, and, death, are mani- 
fested. You can not think one thought, can not make one 
motion of a limb, but wear-out is resultant ; even while rest- 
ing in the quiet arms of old Morpheus — natural sleep, the sim- 
ple running of the machinery of the body is wearing, wearing, 
wearing as the constant dripping of the water wears away the 
stone. Nor is this all; there is always a retrograde tendency 
going on in the body, there is also a renewing, or building up 
tendency. Both are necessary to the continuance of our being. 



10 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A deficiency of either in any, or all the parts, or a preponder- 
ance of one over the other, produces a deficiency of life — disease. 

"We live and die daily," and, " we live to die," and "die to 
live," are very applicable to the human body. Life and death 
are continually associated together in our body, from the first 
life germ of our being, throughout the entire growth, develop- 
ment and functional activity. If one stops work, the other is 
forced to stop, and complete death ensues. Life and death are 
the contending masters in the material of our being. 

As death is never idle, but goes on with the destruction of 
tissue day and night, life must constantly be at duty-post, for 
while death is destroying, life must not only repair and renew, 
but she must dispose of the wreckage of her companion 
worker — death. She must gather up the worn out and decay- 
ing material from about the working machinery, into proper 
places, and, at suitable times, send her servant, excretion, to 
carry it away. Just as promptly as life renews, death destroys, 
and just as promptly excretion must do her work of removal. 

Decay goes on with unstayed hand during the entire life of 
our corporal being, and it only ceases after death when the 
organic particles are reverted into eternally changeless elements, 
its mother earth. 

The length of time necessary to complete the vital decom- 
position of the body, and the decomposition after death, is so 
nearly the same that the difference is scarcely perceptible. In 
either case it is estimated to be about three months and a half. 
When death tolls the sign of parting life — in the form of serious 
"sickness" — three months and a half seems- a short time to 
round up one's life's work. But after the signal is perceived, 
it is more frequently that the time is much shorter. 



THE HUMAN BODY 

ITS PARTS AND STRUCTURE. 



Every part of the human body is adapted for special pur- 
poses and uses. The bones give support and firmness to the 
fabric ; keep the softer parts in their proper places ; give fixed 
points for the proper directions of its motions, and also pro- 
tect some of the more tender organs from external injury. 
The ligaments bind the limbs together ; the limbs, muscles, and 
tendons, serve as instruments of motion ; the heart, arteries, 
veins and capillaries carry the blood to and from every part of 
the body ; the nerves are a medium of communication through- 
out the entire structure, and for the purposes of sensation; 
the eye is adapted for seeing; the ear for hearing; the nose for 
smelling; the mouth for tasting; the skin for touch. Every 
organ or part of the body being adapted for, and subservient 
to a special purpose. 

Bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue, muscular tissue, nerve tissue, 
and adipose tissue or fat, form the complex structures of the 
human body, and are adapted to the various functions of life. 
But these materials possess but limited vitality, and die and 
wear out ; hence, they must be renewed in order to continue 
existence. 

Our best observers conclude that the human body is re- 
newed about every four months. It is certainly very con- 
clusive, that the stomach has no small task, in catering to the 



12 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

demands of these six workmen, who rebuild this structure 
about three times a year. 

The number of bones in the frame-work of the body is 246, 
which, as to form, are divided into long, flat and irregu- 
lar. When placed in their natural order they form the skeleton. 
For convenience, anatomists divide them into four parts: The 
bones of the head ; the bones of the trunk ; the bones of the 
upper extremities, and the bones of the lower extremities. 
There is a disagreement in regard to the number of bones in 
the body. This no doubt results from the uniting of some 
of the bones, as in the sternum and innominati after infancy. 
The long bones are found in the upper and lower limbs; the 
flat bones are found inclosing cavities ; and the irregular bones 
are found where great strength is required with but little 
motion. 

THE SKULL. 

The skull is composed of eight bones, which are of peculiar 
construction, being formed of two plates, or tablets of bony 
matter, united by a porous portion of bone; the external 
tablet being fibrous and tough ; the internal plate being dense 
and hard, and is called the vitreous, or glassy table. Besides 
being adapted to resist the penetration of sharp instruments, 
the different degrees of density possessed by the two tablets,, 
and the intervening spongy bone, serve to diminish the \nbra- 
tions which would occur in blows or falls, thus lessening the 
susceptibility to injury. The ragged edges, or sutures, by 
which the bones of the skull or cranuim are united, also serve 
to intercept, in a measure, the vibrations produced by an ex- 
ternal blow or fall, besides preventing a fracture from extend- 
ing so far as it would otherwise do in one combined bone. 
These sutures are imperfect from infancy up to about the 



THE HUMAN BODY. 13 

twelfth year; from that time on to 35 or 40, they are dis- 
tinctly marked, but in old age they are nearly obliterated. 

Three very small bones which aid in hearing, are in each 
ear. Forming the walls of the orbits, nose, and mouth, are 
fourteen bones belonging to the face; in addition, there are 
32 teeth. 

The occipital bone constitutes the back part of the head 
and base of the skull. 

The parietal bones are the sides of the cranium. 

The frontal bone makes up the forehead. 

The temporal bone is the lower part of the side of the 
skull; it contains the structure comprising the internal ear. 

The nasal bones form the bridge of the nose. 

The two superior maxillary bones make up the upper jaw 
bone, which is hollowed out so as to constitute a cavity. 

The malar bone forms the prominence of the cheek. 

The nostrils contain the tubernated bones. 

The vomer makes up part of the partition between the 
nostrils. 

The lower jaw is in shape, somewhat of a semi-circle, its 
ends terminating in the upright pieces which lie in contact 
with the lower surface of the temporal bone, making the joint 
of the jaw. 

The hyoid bone, forming half an arch with its ends up- 
ward, support the air tube. 

THE TRUNK. 

The trunk consists of 51 bones; 26 of which form a col- 
umn, called the back-bone, which supports the head and upper 
extremities, and 25 form a bony cavity to contain the lungs 
and heart. 

The 24 superior bones of the spinal column are called the 
true vertebrae, and the last two, false vertabras. Each of these 



14 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

is a ring of bone enclosing a central canal which contains the 
spinal cord ; they are also provided with bony projections 
which serve for the attachments of ligaments and muscles. 

The vertabra just below the skull — the first one, is called 
the atlas, and is so arranged as to permit a forward and 
backward movement of the skull which rests upon it. By the 
rotation of this vertabra, around a pivot which projects from 
the second vertebra, the motion from side to side is accom- 
plished. 

The cartilaginous (or gristly part, commonly called) cush- 
ion situated between the vertabrae, serves as a means of at- 
tachment to each other, also prevents the numerous jars to 
the body, especially the brain, which would otherwise prove 
very injurious and annoying. 

Three divisions are made, for convenience, of the true ver- 
tabrae, according to their situation; 7 cervical in the neck; 12 
dorsal, that give attachments to the ribs; and 5 lumbar, in 
the loins. 

Twelve bones called ribs, arising from each side of the 
dorsal vertabrae, passing down and forward, are attached by 
cartilage to one bone in front, the sternum, or breast-bone, 
which is composed of three pieces which terminate in a pro- 
jection of cartilage, and is situated just above the pit of the 
stomach. These bones together with the spinal column form a 
cavity called the chest. 

THE UPPER EXTREMITIES. 

In the upper extremities are found 32 bones each — a shoul- 
der, 2 bones; arm, 1; forearm, 2; wrist, 8, and hand, 19. 

THE LOWER EXTREMITIES. 

Thirty-two bones are situated in each of the lower extrem- 
ities, consisting of the hip, 1 bone ; thigh, 1 ; leg, 3 ; and ankle 



THE HUMAN BODY. 15 

and foot, 26. There are in addition to these, in the body, 8 
small bones, called sesamoid. The projection called the hip is 
the upper part of the bony ring of the pelvis, which bony basin 
contains some of the important organs of the body. On either 
side of this basin is a deep socket which receives the head of 
the thigh bone ; the part which fits into the socket of the pelvis 
is connected with the shaft of the bone at an obtuse angle. 
The thigh bone is the longest and the strongest bone in the 
entire skeleton. 

OBSERVATION. 

The bones are composed of both earthy (mineral) and ani- 
mal matter. Solidity and strength are given them by the earthy 
matter, and vitality by the animal part. The gelatine of ani- 
mal matter may be dispelled from a bone by burning it in a 
clear fire about fifteen minutes, when it is left white and brittle. 
Also, the earthy matter may be dispelled by immersing the bone 
in muriatic acid one part, to water six parts, and letting it 
remain for a few days. When the earthy matter (carbonate 
and phosphate of lime) is removed, the form of the bone is un- 
changed, but the bone may be bent in any direction. 

In very early life the bones are cartilaginous, soft, but in- 
crease in bulk and become less vascular till about middle life, 
up to which period bones broken may readily unite, renew, but 
vitality then begins to diminish. Uniting or renewal is slower 
and slower as age advances, until in extreme age it may be 
expected that a broken bone will not unite or-fenew, there hav- 
ing been cases of this kind met which verify the fact. 

The bones are subject to growth and decay, to removal of 
old, useless matter and the deposit of new particles, as in the 
other tissues. 

Except the crowns of the teeth, which are protected by en- 
amel, and where the bones are tipped w4th cartilage, they are 



16 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

invested with a fibrous membrane called periosteum, which, be- 
sides being a nutrient medium to the bones, also gives insertion 
to the connecting ligaments and tendons of the joints. It is 
supplied with minute nerves and when healthy its sensibility is 
but slight, the cutting of a bone giving rise to but little pain. 

ARTICULATIONS.-JOINTS. 

There are various kinds of joints, some permitting "of an 
extensive range of movement, others permitting of none. Of 
the movable joints the ball and socket joints permit of the great- 
est range of motion, there being two of these instances in the 
body— the shoulder and hip. From the great extent of motion 
of the carpo-metacarpal articulation of the thumb, and the lig- 
ament connecting the bones, it is almost entitled to the distinc- 
tion of the ball-and-socket joint. 

Next to the ball-and-socket joints in prominence of the mov- 
able joints are the hinge joints, permitting of movements in 
two directions, backward and forward; these are found in the 
elbow, wrist, metacarpal and phalangial joints in the upper ex- 
tremities, and the knee, ankle, metatarsal and phalangial joints 
of the lower extremities. The lower jaw bone may be named in 
this class also. 

In the vertebral column the pelvis, the carpus and the tar- 
sus, where repose and solidity is the great object, passing in 
every direction in which these bands can be arranged without 
inconvenience to the general plan, small strips of ligament are 
found. 

The immovable joints come directly together, and in some 
cases are adherent, as in the bones of the skull. The extremi- 
ties of bones that concur in forming a joint correspond by hav- 
ing their respective configurations reciprocal. If one is convex 
the other is concave. 



THE HUMAN BODY. 17 

A delicate smooth membrane called synovial membrane, ex- 
tends from one bone to the other completely surrounding the 
ends of both, secretes the synovia, or joint- water, for lubri- 
cating the opposing surfaces. 

CARTILAGE. 
Cartilage forms the connecting medium between the bones, 
— in very early life the bones are represented by cartilage; it 
forms the frame-work of an organ, as in the larynx; it is 
found where it is necessary that a part retain its form, also 
where considerable strength is required, and being elastic acts 
as so many springs in the body, aiding much in ease of motion. 

FIBROUS TISSUE. 
As a connecting medium, uniting all the parts of the body 
together, forming the investment or attachment of muscle- 
tendons, forming the basket, as it were, into which other parts 
are placed, or threads, with which they are bound together, is 
found a dense, white, and tenacious material called fibrous tis- 
sue. One variety named yellow Bbrous tissue, is found in the 
skin, in the blood vessels, and forms some ligaments. 

MUSCULAR TISSUE.-MUSCLE. 
The muscles are divided into two classes, voluntary and 
involuntary. The voluntary muscles, or the muscles of animal 
life, are under the control of the will, contracting quickly. 
They form the large reddish masses surrounding and situate on 
the bones, and in most cases are attached to two or more different 
bones, which by the contracting or shortening of the muscles, 
are brought nearer together. The involuntary muscles, or the 
muscles of organic life, "are white, and compose some of the 
viscera, one of the coats throughout the alimentary canal be- 
ing formed of it, also of the bladder, womb, and blood vessels; 



18 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

they are not stimulated to activity by the will, but by other 
nervous influences, and do not respond as quickly." 

If a muscle, or the lean of meat be examined under the 
magnifying glass, it will be found to be made of fibres, which 
pass like threads from end to end, and form bundles of still 
smaller fibres — extremely small fibres. It is a compound of 
muscular tissue and fibrous tissue, which give an investing 
sheath to each fibre, to each bundle of fibre, and to the entire 
muscle. The muscles are distributed through the body as a 
means to facilitate motion. Towards the extremities of the 
muscles the fibres cease, and the cellular frame-work is con- 
densed into a round cord, called tendon, by which it is attached 
to the bone. 

The more fixed extremities of a muscle are called its "origin ;" 
its more movable end, "the insertion." Muscles which enclose 
cavities, as the abdominal, are broad and extensive ; their ten- 
don is flattened out into a thin, expansion, which is called 
"oponeurosis," and -which means a nerve widely spread. The 
intricate and varied movements of the human hand, are the 
most wonderful of the voluntary muscular movements. 

NERVE TISSUE. 

This tissue consists of more than one element, like muscular 
tissue ; gray and white matter being its two marked varieties. 
The gray consists of cells and granules, and the white is formed 
of fibres. 

ADIPOSE TISSUE.-FAT. 

Distributed through the different regions of the body, for 
the purpose of covering and protecting the softer and more 
delicate organs, also as a supplier and preserver of heat, adipose 
tissue — fat, is found. 

Different persons accumulate different quantities, some hav- 
ing all the inequalities filled in with it. 



THE HUMAN BODY. 19 

The great loss of substance incident in disease, where there 
is impairment of appetite and digestion, is resultant from the 
continued draw on these store-houses of fuel. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In varying proportions, the above named tissues are united 
to form the complex structure or organ of the human body, 
the ultimate elements of which, are found to be composed of 
" oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen — four gases — with 
the addition of lime, potash, phosphorus, sulphur, etc., in 
variable amounts." 

Fashioned from the above materials, every piece and part 
after its own pattern, every part for its special place and 
function, the wonderful structure of the human body is built 
and its machinery set and kept in motion. And so quitely and 
noiselessly is this unrivaled machine run and repaired, as to 
scarcely attract attention on our part. 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BODY, 

"With man as with plants, there must first be a seed or 
germ. This is furnished by the female parent, and is called the 
human egg. It is very minute, but perfect in all its parts, and 
and resembles very closely the eggs of oviperous animals. For 
the development of this, it is necessary that a principle of 
vitality be imparted to it by the male parent, which is also 
the case with many plants. In the egg thus vitalized a pro- 
cess of growth commences, its elements begin to form into a 
membrane, and this again separates into different parts, for 
the production of bone, nervous system, heart, arteries and veins, 
alimentary canal, skin, etc. The egg contains all the elements 
of growth within itself, and in the human being, when these are 
exhausted, it has formed an attachment to the mother, and 
derives further supply of nutritious material from her blood. 



20 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

We may take the egg of the common fowl as an example of 
this process. If vivified by the male bird, and placed in a 
situation where it will receive a continuous supply of heat> 
we will find in a short time its character is entirely changed, 
a germinal membrane is formed, an intestinal canal, lungs, 
bones, nervous system, and lastly, skin, feathers, etc., so that 
in the course of 21 days, a chick, in all its parts has been 
developed from the contents of the egg. 

In the human egg the process of development goes on in 
the material contained within it up to about the fifth week, 
when the heart and vessels having been developed, it forms an 
attachment to the mother, and henceforth receives a supply of 
material from her blood. It contains all the elements of the 
material of the body, as to be readily appropriated by the 
child which, when born, is complete in all its parts." 

Prof. John M. Scudder, M. D. 

STRUCTURE OF THE BODY. 

There is a union of fluids and solids in the structure of the 
body. One is readily changed into the other, and is essentially 
the same. There is no fluid that does not contain solid in 
solution, and no solid matter that is destitute of fluid. The 
proportion of fluids vary in different individuals, and at differ- 
ent periods in life; in youth being more than in advanced life. 
The materials from which every part of the body is formed is 
contained in the fluids, and they are the medium for convey- 
ing waste, and decayed matter from the system. Various 
names are given them, according to their nature and function, 
as the blood, bile, etc. 

The particles of matter in solids, are variously arranged, 
sometimes in fibres (threads), sometimes in lamina (plates), 
and sometimes homogeneously. 



THE HUMAN BODY. 21 

Fibre, fasciculi, tissues, apparatuses, and systems make up 
the parts of the body. A fibre is a thread-like shape of tissue, 
and is either cylindrical or flattened. Several fibres united, 
form what is called a faciculus, the general characteristic of 
which is the same as fibres. 

A tissue is a term applied to several different solids of the 
body; as muscular tissue, membraneous tissue, etc. An organ 
is composed of tissues so arranged as to form an instrument 
designed for action : as the stomach is an organ of digestion. 

An apparatus is an assemblage of organs designed to pro- 
duce certain results ; as the heart, veins, arteries, and capil- 
laries form the apparatus of circulation. 

An assemblage of organs or parts, arranged according to 
some plan or method, so that by their united work they ac- 
complish a result, forms what is termed a system. The mus- 
cular system includes all the muscles of the body ; the nervous 
system, all the nerves of the body, and so with all the other 
systems. 

Every living body called into being, begins life with a 
certain amount of vitality, or power to live, sufficient to con- 
tinue life a certain length of time, provided sufficient des- 
tructive force is not met to prevent it. 

A partial destruction may interrupt it, but a complete de- 
struction certainly ends life. When this vitality, or power to 
live has exhausted its limit, or as we may say, consumed 
itself, life can not be further prolonged — help may be obtained 
over partial obstructions, but complete obstruction or the 
using up of the vitality, or power to live, certainly concludes 
the chapter of life. Recoveiy from sickness is undoubtedly due 
to this vitality or power to live. Many instances are met that 
lead to this conclusion. Cases that from every general appear- 
ance, would indicate termination in death, would eventually 
recover, while others with no alarming symptoms, closed life's 



22 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

chapter in spite of all that could be done, Children present 
very marked cases of this. 

All persons do not possess this vitality in equal degree ; 
some have sufficient to continue life the three score years and 
ttn, and a few, longer ; others, but a few years feebly lingering, 
while there are still others that possess only sufficient to last 
but a few months, weeks or days. 

Each body has its own peculiar diathesis, or morbid pe- 
culiarity of constitution — a predisposition to a peculiar type of 
disease — the ailments of some are of a scrofuluous type, others 
rheumatic aches and pains, etc. 

DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 

All the elements of the tissues of the body are contained 
in our food, but in such form that it cannot be appropriated 
till it has passed through a process we call digestion. For 
this purpose the digestive apparatus is admirably adapted, 
and which by the functions of its organs, changes the food 
from a solid, or semi-solid, to a fluid, that it may be conveyed 
to every part of the body to be appropriated by the several 
parts. 

The organs constituting this apparatus are, the mouth, 
the stomach, the intestines, the liver, pancreas and spleen. 

THE MOUTH. 

The mouth and the teeth are the first organs of this ap- 
paratus, the functions of which, aided by the secretion from 
the glandular organs associated with the mouth, are to pre- 
pare the food for the next step in the process of digestion in 
the stomach. This preparation consists in triturating the food 
with the saliva, secreted by the salivary glands within the 
mouth, by the process of chewing. The saliva consists chiefly 
of water, holding in solution a small quantity of alkaline 



THE HUMAN BODY. 23 

matter, and a peculiar principle termed ptyaline, which is said 
to change the starch of the food into sugar. 

THE STOMACH. 

The stomach is a large membraneous, hollow sac, situated 
immediately below the septum dividing the chest from the 
abdomen. It extends across the body toward the right side, 
its largest portion being in the left. It is composed of three 
layers, a serous, muscular, and mucous; minute glands which 
secrete the gastric fluid, are contained in the last named. 
During the stay of the food in the stomach its strong mus- 
cular coat keeps the mass of food in constant motion, thus 
triturating it with, or exposing it to, the action of the gastric 
juice, changing it into a milky-like fluid called chyme, in which 
state it passes into the small intestines. 

It is said that the fluids taken during a meal, are first re- 
moved by the veins before digestion commences, and that the 
gastric juice does not secrete till the veins have performed 
this function, hence the partaking of fluids during meals re- 
tards digestion. 

There is some disagreement in regard to this being the true 
condition, and certainly there is at least some evidence to the 
contrary, as there are very few persons but could mention in- 
dividuals of their own knowledge who partake of coffee, tea, 
or milk, every meal they eat, and are living on past the three 
score and ten years in reasonably good health, which they 
could not do if continual disturbance resulted. So little oppor- 
tunity has been presented for practical investigation — seeing 
these results or processes with our eyes, or actual chemical 
tests that much must be conjectured. "The case of Alexis St. 
Martin, who from a wound had an opening into the stomach 
from the surface, permitting an examination of the process of 



24 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

digestion furnished an opportunity for gaining much informa- 
tion. Dr. Beaumont, who performed numerous experiments 
with him, is reported to have given the following as the time 
required for the digestion of different kinds of food : 

KINDS OE FOOD. HRS. MIN. 

Pigs feet 1 00 

Tripe 1 00 

Trout (broiled) 1 30 

Venison Steak 1 35 

Milk 2 00 

Roast Turkey 2 30 

" Beef. 3 00 

" Mutton 3 15 

Veal (broiled) 4 00 

Salt Beef (boiled) 4 15 

Roast Pork 5 15 

Dr. Beaumont found that the introduction of any material 
into the stomach would excite a secretion of the gastric juice, 
and he was enabled to collect a small quantity at a time. He 
described it as a transparent fluid, inodorous, a little saltish, 
and very perceptibly acid. Its taste is similar to that of 
mucilaginous water, slightly aciduated with muriatic acid. It 
is readily diffusible in water, wine, spirits ; slightly effervesces 
with alkalies, and is an effectual solvent of alimentary mater- 
ial. It possesses the property of coagulating albumen in an 
eminent degree ; is powerfully antiseptic checking the putrifac- 
tion of meat, and effectually restorative of action when ap- 
plied to old sores, and foul, ulcerating surfaces." 

The different layers, or cases, of the stomach becoming un- 
duly excited, irritated, or diseased, the result of which may 
cause undue acidity of the gastric juice, which in this state, 
eructations may bring it up into the mouth; and it is this 
acidity that also causes heart-burn ; also, the mucous mem- 
branes from the same cause will secret unhealthy mucous, 
which impairs the appetite and digestion, and causes the 



THE HUMAN BODY. 25 

tongue to become heavily coated, and a bad taste in the 
mouth. 

THE SMALL INTESTINES. 

The next organ of the digestive apparatus is the small in- 
testine. Research and experiments claim to have proven that 
the most important part of the digestive process, is performed 
by them. The food, which has been transformed by the gas- 
tric juices in the stomach into chyme (a milky fluid), passes 
into the small intestines, and is exposed to the action of the 
bile, pancreatic fluid and intestinal secretions which change it 
into another fluid called chyle. This, a higher organization, 
gains entrance into the blood by being absorbed by the veins 
and lacteals. * 

A second opportunity for practical investigation was present- 
ed in Germany, where a series of very important observations 
were made by Dr. Busch of the University of Bonn: U A woman 
31 years of age, from injuries had fistulous openings completely 
separating the stomach, duodenum and a short fragment of 
the jejunum, from the intestine below, the upper portion of the 
jejunum being torn in two. Not the least communication existed 
between the two portions, and the contents of the stomach 
and duodenum, with Jthe gastric, pancreatic and biliary secre- 
tions, were discharged without admixture with the secretions 
from the intestines below." * * * 

It was observed that though her stomach was filled with 
food, the desire for aliment was yet unsatisfied and the] waste 
still increased. Attempts were made to lead the contents of the 
upper portion into the lower by artificial means, but this failing, 
another mode was adopted. At first protein substances were 
injected into the lower opening, alternating with amylaceous, 
and subsequently eggs and meats were stuffed in by the finger. 
The result was most surprising, and admitted no comparison 



/ 



26 THE MEDICAL ADYlSER. 

with the previously adopted feeding through the mouth. Al- 
though there was not commensurate increase of the volume of 
the pat : ent, yet the muscles manifested more tone, the features 
lost their death-like expression, the eyes became bright, voice 
returned, and the patient could sit in the erect posture. 

Previous to the last named method of feeding, alvine evac- 
uations were reported to have been almost absent, but though 
appearing after the last named method was adopted, and ex- 
hibiting no traces of the nutriment taken, yet the grayish white 
color, denoting the absence of bile, exhibited a deficiency." 

While the above facts give evidence that the intestines pos- 
sess the power of digestion to a degree, while they demonstrate 
the dissolving properties of the enteric juices on a class of foods, 
they also demonstrate that at least the greater part of assim- 
ilation takes place after the foods have left the stomach, yet 
they do not demonstrate that life can be continued without the 
office and function of the stomach. 

In addition to the functions of digestion and distribution 
of nutriment of the small intestines, it is also an excretory or- 
gan, removing materials of no further use in the economy from 
the blood, conveying it into the tube for expulsion as feces at 
stool. 

LARGE INTESTINE. 

The large intestine is only about five feet in length, while 
the small intestine is about twenty-five feet. Its function is 
chiefly excretory, receiving the remains of the food and the intes- 
tinal excretions formed into feces, and expelling it at certain 
periods at stool. 

The small intestine is very loosely attached and quite mova- 
ble, but the large intestine for a considerable portion of its 
course is firmly attached. Its position is peculiar ; commencing 
low down in the right side of the abdomen, it passes upward 



THE HUMAN BODY. 27 

to near the liver, then across to the left, then down the left side 
to the lower part of the abdomen, then to the midian line 
where it becomes the rectum, terminating in the anus. 

THE LIVER. 

Situated in the upper part of the abdomen behind the lower 
ribs, in the right side, below the diaphragm, is the largest gland 
or organ in the body, the liver. It varies in size, according to 
the size of the body of the individual ; its average size being 
estimated as being in weight about four pounds ; its size about 
twelve inches from right to left, and from four to five inches 
from front backwards, and it is composed of several lobes. Its 
secretions are derived from the venous blood — from the veins 
of the stomach and entire intestinal tract, which uniting form 
the large vein called the portal vein. This vein passes into the 
liver, and is divided and sub-divided into many very small ves- 
sels, called capillary vessels ; these ramify the lobes of the liver, 
and are supposed to remove the elements of the bile. The he- 
patic vein then receives this blood, and it is conveyed by it to 
the large ascending vein, the vena cava. The liver separates 
impurities from the venous blood, and also secretes a fluid 
called bile, necessary for chylincation. 

Situated on the under surface of the liver is a membranous 
sac called the gall-bladder. It is the reservoir for the bile, and 
pours it into the intestine when required. The function of the 
bile is not well understood, but it evidently aids in removing 
abnormal materials from the blood, aids in the function of 
digestion and also excretion. 

THE PANCREAS. 

The pancreas is a small glandular organ about six inches 
in length, and from one to one and a half inches in width, and 
about one inch thick. It has a duct opening into the same 



28 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

part of the intestine as the duct of the liver. Its secretion is 
somewhat like saliva, colorless, transparent and slightly viscid. 
It is presumed it aids in the process of digestion, but in what 
way is not known. 

THE SPLEEN. 

The spleen is a tongue shaped organ situated in the left 
side, in contact with the stomach, pancreas, diaphragm, and 
is of a bluish red color. Comparatively nothing is known of 
its function or use in the human economy. Various opinions 
are advanced, some writers presume that it serves as a resor- 
voir for the portal blood when it cannot pass through the 
liver; others, that it serves as an organ to break down worn 
out blood ; and others, consider it a blood-making organ. It 
furnishes no secretion, but is supplied with a vein, which is a 
branch of the portal, larger than the artery, and receives a 
large supply of blood. It doubtless greatly influences both nu- 
trition and excretion in a high degree, and is more or less in- 
volved in all diseased conditions exhibiting any marked degree 
of impairment of these functions. It as frequently becomes 
enlarged or inflamed, as the liver. When such condition mani- 
fests, it has frequently been called ague-cake. Though not a 
secreting organ, in the sense that the salivary or gastric glands 
are, or any of like secreting glands, when any of those glands 
exhibit a morbid condition the spleen will be found to be also 
greatly disturbed. This is plainly exhibited in conditions of 
pulmonary consumption, dropsy, diphtheria, tonsilitis, and all 
conditions exhibiting a morbid secretion of mucous. 

THE CIRCULATORY APPARATUS. 

The heart and blood vessels are the organs of circulation, 
and by their combined functions the blood is conveyed to 
every part of the body. "The heart is situated near the center 
of the chest between the lungs, though to the left of the 



THE HUMAN BODY. 29 

midian line; the juncture of the fifth rib with the breast-bone 
marks its exact position." 

The heart is a hollow muscular organ, divided into four 
compartments, two on the right, and two on the left side. 
The two called auricles, are situated above, having thin walls, 
the two lower are called ventricles, and have thick walls. The 
contraction of the heart promotes the circulation of the blood 
— the heart acting as a force-pump, as it were, throws the 
blood to all parts of the system. The venous blood gathers 
into two large veins — the ascending and descending vena cava. 
These empty into the right auricle, which contracting, forces 
the blood into the right ventricle, and its contraction throws 
it into the pulmonary artery which conveys it to all parts of 
the lungs. In this organ the color of the blood is changed 
from the purplish-red of venous blood to vivid scarlet-red of 
arterial blood, from having given off its carbonic acid gas, 
and having received a supply of oxygen. Four veins, called 
pulmonary veins, receive the blood from the lungs, and con- 
vey it to the left auricle; this contracting throws it into the 
left ventricle, which throws the blood through the aorta into 
every part of the body, 

The vessels called arteries distribute the blood propelled 
from the heart, to the body. In form these vessels are 
cylindrical tubes ; in structure they are composed of three coats 
— an external dense fibrous, a middle elastic, and an internal 
lining membrane. Though the veins possess the same structure 
their walls are much thinner, and they are provided with 
valves to prevent a reflux of the blood. The walls of the 
arteries are elastic and yield at each impulse of the heart, and 
contract when it has passed, hence the pulsations of the 
arteries are synchronous with the beats of the heart. 

The plan of the distribution of the blood vessels exhibits 
an interesting study. "Arising from the heart is a large artery 



30 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

called the ascending aorta, it passes upward and to the right 
about three and a half inches ; thence curving to the left and 
backward, the arch of the aorta, then downward on the an- 
terior surface of the spine to a point just posterior to the 
umbilicus or navel." 

The arterial system has been aptly compared in its arrang- 
ment to the trunk and branches of a tree, "except that very 
frequent communications exist between these branches, so that 
by a continual sub-division and inosculation, their distribution 
comes more and more to resemble the capillary net-work in 
which they terminate. The capillaries are very minute blood 
vessels establishing the communication between the termination 
of the arteries and the veins. They are distributed through- 
out every part of the- body, being so near together that the 
slightest puncture will injure several of them. 

The arteries retain their share when empty. Commencing* 
in the minute radicles of the capillaries, which everywhere per- 
meate the body, are the veins, which uniting, constitute the 
larger and larger branches, till they terminate in the large 
trunks which convey the dark colored blood to the heart. 
The heart is surrounded by a sac, called the pericardium, or 
heart-case. The membrane lining the inner wall of this sac, 
secretes a watery fluid for lubricating the external surface of 
the heart and the interior surface of the pericardium, or heart- 
sac, to prevent friction between the two. 

RESPIRATORY ORGANS AND FUNCTIONS. 

For the purpose of aiding in nutrition, purifying, and con- 
tinuing life, the body is provided with respiratory organs, or 
apparatus. The nose, trachea, bronchia, air-cells and lungs, 
assisted by several muscles, and some appendages at the en- 
trance of the trachea— the fauces, tonsils, soft palate, uvula, 
and the epiglotis, constitute the organs of respiration. 



THE HUMAN BODY. 31 

The nose, in addition to its being a beautifying appendage 
of the face, is an organ possessing two special functions — that 
of admitting or conveying air to and from the lungs, and that 
of smelling. 

Situated immediately behind the tongue, and forming the 
principal part of what is generally called the throat, is a 
membranous sac, the phar-ynx, which forms part of the air 
passages and the passage for the food. At the base or pos- 
terior part of the tongue a constriction appears, called the 
fauces, and formed in part by the tonsils, or glands, of which 
there are two, one situated on each side of the throat, and 
are made plainly visible by depressing the tongue. Also, de- 
pending from the roof of the mouth at this location, is the 
soft palate with its extended portion, uvula, and below or 
posterior to the tongue, is the epiglotis projecting upwards, 
which is the beginning of the larynx or trachea. 

The trachea, or windpipe, is a continuation of the larynx ; 
continuing a short distance, upon entering the lungs it divides 
into two parts, called bronchia, and these branches divide and 
sub-divide into many branches ultimately terminating in num- 
erous small sacs, or cells, usually called vesicles, or air-cells. 

The bronchial tubes and their terminations, the air-cells, 
the pulmonary arteries and veins, and lymphatics, connected 
together with fibrous tissue, and the whole covered with a 
complete investment of serous membrane called pleura, consti- 
tute the lungs. The part called the root of the lungs, is the 
point where the bronchial tubes and blood-vessels enter. These 
vessels, the trachea, bronchial tubes, and vesicles, are lined 
with mucous membrane, a continuation from the larynx. 

The lungs are nourished as other parts of the body are. 
When nourishment is deficient in other parts of the body it is 
proportionately deficient in the lungs; and the different parts 



32 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

of the breathing apparatus may become diseased or in an 
abnormal condition, as other parts of the body. 

The function of respiration is effected by an elevation of 
the anterior extremities of the ribs and a drawing downward 
of the diaphragm, the muscles of the chest being so arranged 
as to accomplish this. The air is forced out of the lungs by 
the ribs being drawn down, the acting of the abdominal muscles, 
and the diaphragm being thrown back. 

For purifying purposes the air cells are so constructed as to 
permit the carbonic acid gas to pass freely through its delicate 
membrane from the blood to the air, and, for nutritive purpo- 
ses, the oxygen is permitted to pass from the air cells to the 
blood. 

From sixteen to eighteen respirations per minute are consid- 
ered about the frequency of respiration, rarely exceeding twen- 
ty-five per minute. 

The organ of voice is composed of a framework of cartil- 
ages, seven in number, articulated together, and called the lar- 
ynx, which, in addition to being the organ of voice, forms part 
of the air passages. It is situated immediately below the tongue. 
Several small muscles move these cartilages and thus vary the 
form and size of the passage through it. Passing from behind 
forward are two bands of fibrous tissue called the vocal cords. 
These cords can be made tense to contract the aperture, or 
drawn apart for relaxation of it— the cartilages of the larynx 
and muscles being so arranged as to effect this, and to this is 
due the range of the human voice. Articulation is effected by 
the tongue, lips and teeth, aud the voice is modulated in the 
throat, mouth and nose. 

THE BLOOD. 

The blood is the general circulating fluid of the animal body. 
In it is embodied the source of all nutriment and growth, the 



THE HUMAN BODY. 33 

material for repairs and continuance of being or life. However 
much the various elements necessary to the continuance of the 
body may differ, the materials of all the secretions are derived 
from the blood. In addition to the blood being the source of 
nutriment and growth, it also removes and carries from the 
body its detritus and other materials which are hurtful or inju- 
rious or have served their purpose in the economy of the body. 

The elements of nutrition and growth — the elements of the 
blood necessary to a healthy continuance of our being — are de- 
rived from our foods. "There are no blood-making organs, but 
the materials of digestion are formed into blood by contact 
with the blood itself." — Scudder. The blood is elaborated of 
the materials of digestion; hence, plenty of wholesome food, well 
digested, is the only source from which the necessary supply of 
blood must come, and to suppose that it can come through 
any other means is a piece of gross ignorance. 

Every individual has not the same quantity of blood ; the 
quantity varies in different individuals. But there is no time 
when any individual has too much blood. It may be deficient 
in nourishment, or be overloaded with detritus, or abnormal 
accumulations, in which condition it is not in a state of good 
health. 

We may know that there is a deficiency of nutritive element, 
or elements, by the exhibition of an anaemic or emaciated con- 
dition of the body, but what particular element, or what 
amount of it is needed in the economy, we have no possible 
means of ascertaining, except thiough the desires of an unvitia- 
ted appetite. 

The length of time necessary for the blood to make the cir- 
cuit of the body, to course through the body and return to the 
heart, is also different in different persons, or different individ- 
als. This difference of quantity and difference of rapidity of 
circulation does not constitute disease. 



34 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The size of the individual, the temperament and the habits 
of each, undoubtedly exert a modifying influence. The pulsa- 
tions of the arteries, which are synchronous with the beats of 
the heart, are also modified by the temperament and the habits 
of the individual. 

Nutritious food and good digestion are the means of blood- 
making, and elimination and excretion are the means of puri- 
fying the blood. 

Blood drawn from an artery is of a bright red ; drawn from 
a vein it is purplish red, heavy and viscid. 

NUTRITION. 

Nutrition, in reference to the human body, is the funda- 
mental property of organized matter on which all the phenom- 
ena of life are based the process of change, of composition and 
decomposition, which is constantly taking place in all living 
tissue. It is the act, or process of promoting the growth, or 
repairing the waste of the economy ; the process by which food 
is digested, assimilated and made nourishing. The nails and 
hair present the most noticable display of nutrition and growth. 
New cells are constantly being formed at their roots, the ma- 
terial for which they absorb from the blood, these formations 
pushing the earlier formed ones on to take on their finished ele- 
ment — hair and nails. All parts of the structure do likewise — 
cell formation for every part of the body — each and every kind 
selecting its special kind of material from the blood with accu- 
rate precision unequaled by any human invention. 

This process of cell growth must be very rapid in the 
young, as it is not only necessary to keep up repairs from wear 
out and decay, but the parts must be increased into their 
allotted size— full grown. In middle life sufficient only is needed 
to keep the parts in normal condition. In old age this forma- 



THE HUMAN BODY. 35 

tive force or renewing power, becomes more and more feeble, 
until it ceases altogether, and death is complete. 

ABSORPTION AND THE LYMPHATICS. 

The process by which the materials of nutrition are removed 
from the alimentary canal, to be conveyed into the circulatory 
vessels is called absorption. Also, the particles of matter, that 
have become injurious or useless, are removed from the mass 
of fluids and solids of which the body is composed, by the same 
process. Two sets of vessels are required for this renovating 
process, — the lacteals and lymphatics perform this office. 

The lacteals are found only in the alimentary canal, and 
act exclusively for the growth and repair of the system. The 
lymphatic glands are found, principally situated on each side 
of the neck, under the arms, in the groins, and the cavities of 
the body. Their function is not clearly understood, authors 
differing in their opinion. One of their functions seems to be to 
remove matter or materials. 

Minutely distributed throughout the body is a system of 
vessels carrying a whitish fluid called lymph, which is supposed 
to be secreted by the lymphatic glands. These glands become 
diseased and enlarge, manifesting scrofula. 

SECRETION. 
Very nearly associated with the process of nutrition is 
secretion. A constant wear-out necessitates a constant re- 
moval of the worn out materials to give place for the new. 
These worn out particles became soluble, are absorbed by the 
blood vessels, and removed from the body by the excretory 
organs. The activity of the functions of a part modifies to 
some extent, the duration of the life of its particles ; the more 
actively exercised, the less prolonged its life; and the less ex- 
ercised, the longer its particles appear to live, though there is 
a limit to this. 



36 THE MEDICAL ADVISES. 

Secretion is the separation of some material from the 
blood, and is of two principal kinds, also, for two principal 
purposes. These are termed recrementitious and cxcrementi- 
tious, and are constituted of different materials. The first, 
which are the secretions of the digestive apparatus — saliva, 
gastric juice, pancreatic fluid, bile and the fluid from the in- 
testinal glandulae, of the mucous and sebaceous matter, and of 
the spermatic fluid, are new material, and perform functions 
in the process of the body. The second is chiefly the waste 
material, or effete matter of the system, produced by the 
change of the tissues. 

The body is provided with a special apparatus for the 
function of secretion which consists principally of tubes. The 
simplest form being a minute, simple tube, closed at one ex- 
tremity, and receiving a very free supply of blood. The small 
glands consist of but one such tube or duct, while the large 
glands are a combination of such tubes, whatever the shape 
or size. The secretory organs may be excessively stimulated, 
and their energy and vigor wHll thereby be reduced — impaired ; 
as in the habit of continual spitting, which attends the chew- 
ing of tobacco and gum, or other substances, between meals, 
not only inducing debility of the salivary glands, but of the 
entire system. 

EXCRETION. 

The bowels, in addition to their function of nutrition, also 
possess an additional function, that of excretion, which is also 
an important one. The materials discharged from the bowels 
daily as feces, are composed in part of the debris of the food, 
but chiefly of the material thrown off from the blood through 
the intestinal wall. "There seems to be no proper secreting struc- 
ture for this purpose, and it is possible that it is effected by the 
mucous membrane alone." The amount of fecal discharges from 



THE HUMAN BODY. 37 

the bowels daily, varies. About six ounces is considered the 
average. About seventy -five per cent, of this is water, the solids 
amounting to but little more than one and a half ounces. 

Constipation of the bowels deranges the digestive process 
and induces disease. These materials for excretion, being com- 
posed of the debris of the food and of the worn out materials 
of the structure, are of no use in the economy, and from their 
nature are injurious and poisonous, and being retained beyond 
their natural limit, the more liquid portions are re-absorbed 
into the blood, contaminating, poisoning it, causing headache, 
dullness, stupor, irritable temper, pain in the back, numbness 
in the limbs, loss of control of the mind, loss of appetite, fever 
and nervousness. 

THE URINARY APPARATUS. 

The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra constitute the or- 
gans of the urinary apparatus, the functions of which are to 
secrete and excrete excess of fluid and effete materials which are 
in solution. The kidneys are two in number, are situated in 
the posterior part of the abdomen, on the right and left side, 
and are well protected from injury by structures surrounding 
them. They resemble a bean in shape. The indented border 
receives the renal artery and is also the exit to the renal vein, 
and is the entrance to the pelvis of the kidney, which is the 
terminus of the upper portion of the ureter. The watery secre- 
tion, or urine, is poured into this funnel-shaped expansion of 
the ureter. 

The ureters are long, membranous tubes extending from the 
kidneys to the bladder, and convey the urine from the kidneys 
to the bladder. 

The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ, situated within 
the pelvis, and may contain from one to two pints of fluid. 
Like many of the other vessels, it is composed of three coats, 



38 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

an external serous, a middle muscular, and an internal mucous 
lining. The function of the bladder is to receive and contain 
the urine for a suitable period, and then expel it from the body, 
which it does partly by the contraction of its own muscular 
tissues, and partly by the abdominal muscles. The little canal 
that conveys the urine from the bladder out of the body, is 
called the urethra; in the female it is about two inches in 
length, in the male about nine inches, with a diameter of prob- 
ably three-eighths of an inch, or a slight degree more. 

The urine is a yellowish-colored fluid, of a disagreeable odor, 
and a bitterish, saltish taste. It is estimated that an individ- 
ual passes an average, in twenty -four hours, of about thirty 
ounces in summer and forty in winter. This may be greatly 
varied by the amount of perspiration and also by the amount 
of fluid taken. The amount of solids passed daily by way of 
the kidneys is estimated to vary from six hundred to seven hun- 
dred grains, the remainder being water. The kidneys pump off 
much of the excess of fluid which may enter the circulation and 
eliminate from the system a great amount of effete matter, 
which excretion is necessary to sustain health. The kind of 
food taken, the quantity of fluids, the habits and age of the 
individual, also cold and heat, modify both the quantity and 
constituents of the urine. From modifying influences a great 
range of changes may take place and yet the health remain 
unimpaired. Cold to the surface of the body increases the quan- 
tity and may change the quality; and heat, by promoting per- 
spiration, diminishes the quantity and may change the quality, 
and the health may not be morbidly affected by either if only 
extended to a moderate degree. 

According to some of our most eminent investigators the 
solid residue excreted by the kidneys daily is about two ounces, 
being more than is excreted by the bowels. The urine is com- 
posed of excess of fluids holding in solution, or nearly so, the 



THE HUMAN BODY. 39 

elements of disorganized tissues — the old, worn-out effete ma- 
terials of the animal structure, which have served their purpose 
and are of no further use in the economy, and doubtless some 
improperly digested food or excess of food in a decomposed 
state. These constituents are very poisonous, and if retained 
within the economy give rise to disturbances of the brain, the 
nervous system and the stomach, manifesting mental disturb- 
ance, insanity, inability to concentrate the mind on subjects, 
eruptions on the surface of the body, development of tumors, 
stupor, coma, rheumatism and other derangements. The inner 
walls, or mucous surfaces of these organs, are delicately sensi- 
tive, and they, or any part of these organs as any other part 
of the body, may become diseased, exhibiting various manifes- 
tations, as tumors, inflammation of the mucous surfaces, etc. 

ITS FUNCTIONS— ITS DISTURBANCES. 

In all manifestations of disease affecting the human body, 
the urinary apparatus is more or less affected also, and, in addi- 
tion, may be the localization of an ailment. It matters not 
what type of manifestation appears, there is constitutional in- 
efficiency, perversion, debility, derangement or discord in some 
degree. The different symptoms or manifestations of disease of 
the urinary apparatus indicate simply different degrees of sever- 
ity, or advancement of degeneration, and the principal treat- 
ment in all manifestations is virtually the same— regulate ex- 
cretion and promote nutrition, and discontinue the producing 
causes. It matters not what name we may give the symptoms, 
whether " Bright 's disease," ''diabetes mellitus," or "insipidus," 
"floating kidney" or "waxy kidney," these names give us no 
particle of intelligent guiding. 

The urinary apparatus being one of nature's outlets for ex- 
creting effete, worn-out and superfluous materials, and as all 
substances entering the system as nutrition must be liquified, 



40 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

any substances having entered the system, whether having been 
used in the economy or as a surplus, may be found in the urin- 
ary excretions, whatever the substance may be. 

Prof. Lehman observed that "the kidneys not only separa- 
ted certain constituent parts of the organs which have become 
inadequate for the maintenance of life, but also expel the su- 
perfluous nutritive matters that may have been absorbed." 
According to observations of Prof. Lehman and John M. Scud- 
der, M. D., there is a greater amount of solid excretions daily 
by way of the kidneys than by way of the bowels, their esti- 
mate being about two ounces of solid residue in the daily ex- 
cretion of urine, and from one ounce to one and a half ounces 
of solid residue by way of the bowels. What proportion of 
this matter is waste, worn-out material there is no way of 
approximating. 

Various conditions influence the quantity and quality of 
this excretion, as the quantity of fluid drunk, the condition 
of activity of the bowels, and the activity of perspiration. 

If there is excessive urination, the sweat channels or 
bowels, or perhaps both, are not performing their portion of 
fluid elimination and, also, there may be large quantities of 
fluid taken into the system. If the bowels and sweat channels 
are deficient in elimination, the kidneys may be over-taxed, 
which would in time prostrate. This, however, is not of fre- 
quent occurrence; it is more frequently the case that this effete 
and superfluous material is not eliminated from the general 
system or circulation, and conveyed to the excretive outlet, 
which is due to defect or perversion of function. 

Debilitated conditions, or constitutions of feeble vitality, 
are sensitive to exposures of undue warmth or cold. Warmth 
usually inducing perspiration brings the fluids to the surface 
of the body, and cold congesting, or impelling the fluids to the 
inner centers — the kidneys then usually taking up the elimi- 



THE HUMAN BODY. 41 

nating work, which is evidenced by the increase of excretion 
from this channel. In health this change can take place with- 
out producing so sensibly injurious effects, the system being 
able to adapt itself to the conditions, but in sickness it is 
hurtful, or if too sudden or prolonged, it is injurious at all 
times. 

From observations of symptoms following the retention of 
these materials, it is evident they act as a morbid or vitiating 
factor or substance, deranging and destructive to healthy func- 
tions, even life-destroying, and insanity-producing; therefore, it 
is also evident that the proper and prompt expulsion of these 
materials is as essential as nutrition ; hence, this function being 
of so great importance in the economy of the body, proper 
attention should be given that it be duly performed. The 
habit of many individuals of not responding to these calls of 
nature to permit this expulsion to take place is exceedingly 
derogatory to good health. For by this neglect, this excretion 
being retained, not only may re-enter the circulation, but by 
not being expelled it may establish the habit of not being 
eliminated, which if continued, the entire system becomes con- 
taminated, poisoned; and suffering, and perhaps death or in- 
sanity may ensue ; various types of disease manifesting, ac- 
cording to the degree of impairment of this function. 

Different manifestations of derangements of the urinary ap- 
paratus may manifest as sequelae to eruptive fevers, especially 
when good recovery from them has not been secured. Treat- 
ment for some of these conditions will be given in appropriate 
place. From a morbid condition of the system, various mani- 
festations of local diseased conditions may appear, as inflama- 
tion, catarrh, scalding or burning sensation during micturition, 
incontinence or retention, hemorrhage, stricture, tumors of the 
kidneys, etc. 



42 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In diseased conditions of the urinary apparatus, treatment 
directed wholly to these organs, neglecting the remainder of 
the system or body, does not insure a restoration to health. 
A few minor ailments are, and may be dispelled in this way, 
but if the disease has reached any proportions, a cure cannot 
be successfully obtained, except by combining constitutional 
treatment with the treatment of the urinary organs — in fact, 
very largely, by rousing the liver to proper activity. 

There are some symptoms common to all diseased condi- 
tions of the urinary apparatus — there is deranged appetite, fre- 
quently alternating from feeble to voracious, bowels almost 
always constipated — occasionally alternated with diarrhea; 
there is the pale, yellowish-dirty, expressionless appearance to 
the skin, losing strength, food does not nourish, and in the 
lymphatic temperaments there is a flaccid, atonic condition of 
the system usually manifesting a tendency to dropsy; and, in 
the nervous bilious temperaments, there is a constricted, atonic 
condition of the system. However, of all the temperaments, 
the lymphatics suffer the greatest from kidney diseases, as also, 
from some other types of diseases. 

THE SKIN. 

The skin is a membrane which envelopes the whole body. 
Its function is two-fold; besides being a protecting sheath to 
the body, it is also an important excretory organ, and in this 
respect is essential to life. It is formed of two layers, the inter- 
nal layer, or true skin, also called the derma, which is formed 
of fibrous and elastic tissue, and is strong ; the external layer, 
which is thin, is composed of dessicated cells, which overlap 
each other very like the scales of a fish, and are horny in tex- 
ture. Minute elevations termed papilla?, are found to cover the 
true skin. These are supplied with sensitive nerves and blood 



THE HUMAN BODY. 43 

vessels. Sudoriferous or sweat glands, sebaceous follicles and 
hair bulbs are found in the skin. 

The sudoriferous glands secrete sweat, and are very numer- 
ous, it being estimated that there are about four hundred and 
seventeen to the square inch, or about seven hundred thousand 
in a full grown individual, a sewerage or drainage of about 
twenty-eight miles. Through this immense drainage system it 
is estimated that about one hundred grains of organic matter 
are removed daily. 

Some idea of the true character of this excretion may be 
obtained by coming in contact with the offensive odors given 
off from some people's bodies, especially their feet. However, a 
great degree of offensiveness accompanying the sweat indicates 
a perversion of excretion of morbid matters and demands atten- 
tion to the excretory functions of the bowels and kidneys. 

HUNGER. 

Hunger may be termed the outcall of the system for mate- 
rials for its continuance and repair. Reciprocal activity of 
waste and repair is constant in every living organism. The 
living fabric in every action which constitutes life, is every in- 
stant yielding up its particles to destruction. Every vital 
activity produces a waste of tissues — your breathing, walking, 
thinking, crying, laughing, singing, grieving ; no, you cannot do 
one thing, but what some atom of your being must be yielded 
up to destruction. This is a wearing out, a wasting away, 
and also there is a degeneracy or death of structure due to lim- 
itation of its power to live, and unless it'is repaired, or replaced 
with new tissue, life will flicker — will "go out." Hence, the 
want of food necessary to repair the waste of life, is the cause 
of hunger. Coffee, tobacco and opium will, for a very short 
time, allay hunger, but as they do not supply the nourishment 
necessary to the needs of the body, they do not serve the pur- 



44 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

pose of food, and in the end are of no advantage, as they leave 
the human economy to consume itself. Usually the desire for 
food (hunger) recurs periodically, its time between these periods 
being in proportion to demands for nutrition, this differing in 
different individuals; age, temperment and habit influencing 
this in some degree. A growing child will require more food 
than an adult, and an individual of vigorous activity more 
than one of sluggish habits. In cases of prolonged sickness, 
where there has been great emaciation, when convalescence be- 
gins, and frequently for some time after, hunger is almost con- 
stant, and is sometimes so ravenous as to require being re- 
stricted, otherwise the excessive eating would cause death. 

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.— ITS FUNCTIONS. 

The brain, spinal cord and nerves make up the nervous sys- 
tem. The brain is a large nervous mass contained within the 
skull, three membranes investing it — an external dense fibrous 
membrane, called the dura mater ; a middle serous membrane, 
composed of two layers, forming a shut sac, called the aracnoid; 
and the internal vascular, consisting principally of blood ves- 
sels, which penetrate the brain in every direction. In form the 
brain is ovoid, flattened somewhat at its base. It is marked 
by several depressions, some of which are caused by the config- 
urations of the bones of the skull; others mark its divisions 
into different parts. A large fissure of considerable depth passes 
from the front backward, dividing it into two hemispheres. In 
fact it is two brains connected by nerve-fibres. 

"The brain is divided into a superior portion called the 
cerebrum, a posterior portion called the cerebellum, and several 
parts at its base termed sensory ganglia." The cerebrum ap- 
pears to be composed of nervous membrane folded together, the 
folds or convolutions being distinctly marked. The cerebellum is 
situated under the posterior part of the cerebrum, and appears 



THE HUMAN BODY. 45 

to be of similar construction, though the convolutions are much 
smaller. 

The sensory ganglia consist of two nervous masses of gray 
and white substance on each side of the midian line at the base 
of the brain. "Fibres of communication can be traced from 
them to the medulla oblongata. The cerebellum also commu- 
nicates with the medulla at the same point." 

The brain is the seat of sensation. Through the medium of 
the sensitive nerves it receives impressions made on all parts 
of the body. It is the seat of the will and superintends the 
physical as well as the mental movements. It is unknown what 
part of the brain receives the impressions or has the most inti- 
mate relation with the intellectual faculties. This organ, 
though cognizant of every sensation, is said to be, of itself, 
but slightly sensitive. It is said that it may be cut, or parts 
removed, without being felt or consciousness being lost. 

The spinal cord, the roots of the spinal nerves, and the mem- 
branes of the cord, are contained in the spinal column. The 
spinal cord passes downward from the medulla oblongata 
through the entire length of the spinal canal, sending nerves in 
their course to every part of the body. "It is composed of white 
nerve fibres passing from the brain and of gray nerve substance 
from which other nerve fibres arise. Hence it is in part a nerve 
trunk and in part a nerve center in which nerve is generated." 

The nervous system is divided into two distinct parts or 
classes; one, called the vegetative system, controls the functions 
of digestion, assimilation, the circulation of the blood, nutri- 
tion and secretion; the other controls the functions of animal 
life, is under the control of the will, and is called the cerebro- 
spinal system. 

The sympathetic system, or organic system of nerves, con- 
sists of two nerve cords situated on the anterior surface of the 
spinal column, and which have certain enlargements upon them 



46 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

termed ganglia. These ganglia are thirty-three in number on 
each side and are composed of nerve cells and granules, doubt- 
less furnished by the nerve force for this system. The sympa- 
thetic nervous system supplies the organs of digestion, secre- 
tion and excretion, the blood vessels, and undoubtedly controls 
the nutrition of the body. These nerves are intimately con- 
nected with the spinal cord by fibres of communication ; hence 
there is a close sympathy between the two. 

Filaments of this system of nerves accompany the blood 
vessels throughout their course; hence, every portion of the 
body is to some extent under its influence — one of its important 
functions being to form communication of one of the systems 
with another, so that one organ can take cognizance of the 
condition of every other organ and act accordingly. It is also 
by means of the nerves that we have consciousness or commu- 
nication with other objects than ourselves. 

OBSERVATION. 

What a wonderful scene would present were it possible to 
unveil this unequaled machinery, with all its parts and powers 
in motion! Marvelous, indeed, would be the vision of seeing the 
ceaseless contractions and dilations of the heart, propelling and 
receiving the vital fluid — the blood; the flapping of the tricus- 
pid, semi-lunar and mitral valves, acting like the valves of a 
steam engine; the pulling of the cordage of the tendons; the 
synovia lubricating the joints; the play of the ball-and-socket 
joints; the swinging of the hinges, and the swells and de- 
pressions of the spinal column's elastic cushions. To see 
the electric influence of the ganglia darting along the lines of 
the nerves; and the pneumatic machine of the lungs disen- 
gaging its environed air, and receiving in exchange a sup- 
ply of new medium — the pause and interval in respiration to 
divide the gases agreeably to their relative specific gravity; 



THE HUMAN BODY. 47 

the chronometer of the pulse, and the calorimeter which meas- 
ures out the heat to the system, and proportions its quantity 
according to circumstances, preserving an equilibrium under all 
changes and conditions. 

To peer into that working cabinet, the stomach, with its 
multitude of little glands, servants of its gastric chemistry de- 
partment; and the liver (like an old Roman sentinel) separating 
impurities from the blood and secreting bile for assisting in 
digestion. 

To see the slender pancreas with its feathery branch of ves- 
sels, and the spleen, that organ of melancholy that yet puzzles 
the world to learn of what use it is. The bowels with their 
multitude ol lacteals collecting nutriment. Then throughout 
this entire structure, a perfect network of veins, arteries and 
nerves, each dividing into numberless ramifications penetrating 
every part, diffusing life and sensibility ; and the indescribable 
membraneous veil, or vital traceries, woven over many inter- 
nal surfaces and delicate organs ; while this entire marvelous 
machine is mantled over its external surface with a three-fold 
skin, constructed with its millions of pores for purposes of per- 
spiration and excretion. 

What a wonderful workshop is this human body! Many, 
many times a year it is torn down and rebuilt during our term 
of life, without conscious efforts of our own. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS 

OF THE HUMAN LIFE. 



FOOD. 



Food is eaten for the nourishment and warmth of our body, 
and anything that can be appropriated for this purpose may 
be used as food. Much has been written and said in regard to 
the proper articles to be used as food in order to produce and 
retain good health, also much investigation has been made. 
While some progress has been made in knowledge the millenium 
is very, very far away yet. Most persons can partake of the 
articles in general use, if properly prepared. There are, how- 
ever, a few individuals who cannot partake of some of the 
foods in every-day use by others. Eggs entering into food in 
any form could not be tolerated by a few individuals; also, I 
have met a few cases in which the sight of milk produced nausea, 
and in such cases it was not resultant from disease; it was simply 
on the principle of that which is meat to some is occasionally 
poison to another, or at least obnoxious. Articles of food that 
have been found to produce ill effects with an individual should 
be discarded. 

Articles of food that may have been used freely in younger 
life do not prove that they can be so used throughout life. To as- 
sume to dictate a line of food containing the simple elements 
needed in the economy of the body and in exact amounts re- 
quired, is assuming that which will hardly be realized. It is 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 49 

not possible to arrive at any means by which these amounts 
can be measured up, or, if once measured, could be so kept. 

The human family partakes of both vegetable and animal 
materials as food, but it is, doubtless, quite probable that less 
disease would afflict the human body if animal flesh were not 
«aten at all. It may be quite probable that the condition of 
blood poison producing fevers, scrofula and various other ail- 
ments, are due to meat eating. 

The amount of food required by an individual is difficult to 
determine. It varies with the habits of the individual and with 
age. Healthy persons exercising in the open air will require 
more than those who do not, and a growing child more than 
an adult. As to the time of partaking of food, the writer is 
convinced that the three-times-a-day habit generally observed — 
the breakfast between six and seven, dinner between twelve M. 
and one P. M., and supper between six and seven P. M., serves 
the economy of the body better than any other division of time 
for partaking of food. This division does not produce exhaus- 
tion by too long waiting for nutrition, nor dispose to over- 
eating. 

Children under four years of age may have a lunch between 
morning and noon, and noon and the supper meal, but not to 
the extent of mincing- throughout the day. The digestive appa- 
ratus must have rest; it cannot stand to work hard twenty- 
four hours every day, no more than the hands and arms can. 

Fruits and vegetables not perfectly developed, or beginning 
to decay, old or stale, are unfit for food; also foods canned in 
tin, cod-liver oil and the extracts of beef dispensed in the mar- 
kets are unfit for food. If people will indulge in eating animal 
meat as food, have it prepared from fresh articles and only pre- 
pared as needed for immediate use, which can be better done 
in the home kitchen; but it is better, far, to look to the veg- 
etable and fruit kingdom for nutriment. 



50 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

CLOTHING. 

Clothing should be of a kind to conserve the comfort of 
the body. In other animal life nature has provided a covering 
meeting the requirements for bodily comfort and well being, 
but in the human family nature has left this provision for us 
to make. In the matter of properly clothing the body, we 
select material for conserving the heat when exposed to cold, 
and that material that aids and permits us to keep comfort- 
ably cool when exposed to undue warmth. 

Wool stands at the head of the materials out of which 
clothing is made. Wool is a non-conductor of heat, hence it 
conserves the heat of the body. Made into cloths, while soft 
and agreeable to the skin, its porosity or openness of texture 
permits the passage of exhalations from the body, which is of 
great value. By having the cloths or flannels thinner or 
heavier, it meets the requirements the best of all materials for 
nearly all seasons of both cold and heat. 

In hot weather, especially after exercise, perspiration man- 
ifests, it becomes vaporized, cools and will chill the body, the 
more so if cotton or linen is worn. While exercising in hot 
or warm weather, while cotton or linen may be most com- 
fortable, after exercise dry flannel restores the latent heat or 
warmth and gives an agreeable feeling of comfort. 

For those exposed to extreme cold winds, in addition to 
the woolens, the leathers and furs are most excellent. 

The color of fabrics affects their properties, — by the retain- 
ing of heat and the absorption of odors, black ranking first, 
blue next, then the reds, and the whites the lowest. The pop- 
ularity of red flannel, and it being supposed to possess special 
virtue over other colors, is doubtless due to its coarseness, in 
part, and to the dye, lending a more or less peppery quality. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 51 

WATER. 

Water is the only fluid which is suitable for every day 
and continual use to drink. It is best suited for the nourish- 
ment of the system, for the dilution of solid food, and for 
maintenance of a proper degree of fluidity in the blood. It is 
the only agent that can satisfy thirst, or, which the human 
family prefers when not vitiated by artificial appetites. It is 
as essential to life as air, light, heat, or any solid food. It 
enters into the composition of the substances which constitute 
our food. 

The fluid which is taken into the stomach, is conveyed into 
the blood and before it is expelled from the body, it traverses 
every part of the body. 

There is a continual loss of fluid from the body taking 
place during life: hence, the system requires a re-supply, of 
■which we are made aware by a peculiar sensation called 
thirst. The fauces are supposed to be the immediate seat of 
thirst. To supply this requirement of the system, sufficient 
fluid may be introduced into the system by mouth — drinking; 
by the skin, by being applied thereto, or, by injection per 
rectum. 

The quantity of water required at any time depends much 
upon circumstances, as there are many conditions influencing, 
or modifying this. It is augmented by active exercise; by the 
increase in the atmospheric temperature; by whatever stimu- 
lates the secreting function. During a meal, the partaking of 
animal food will require more than vegetable food, and highly 
seasoned food still more. Hence the quantity of water needed 
dairy cannot easily be stated. The time to drink is when the 
sensation of thirst is very urgent, and the quantity, sufficient 
to satisfy thirst, both of which is readily determined by a 
healthy adult. 



52 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

It is injurious to flood the stomach immediately previous 
to a meal, with cold or ice water, as it lowers the temper- 
ature below normal. No more fluid should be taken during a 
meal than is necessary to facilitate the proper mastication; 
this being observed persons are less liable to over-eat, or 
overload the stomach. Persons may cultivate a habit or an 
abnormal desire of the system, in drinking more fluids than 
the system really needs. 

For good health and all those purposes for which water is 
required, the purer the water, the better. Rain, snow and 
spring w^aters approach nearer purity than any other, and are 
applicable to every domestic purpose, also to chemical and med- 
icinal purposes. Wells are so frequently of such shallow depth 
that only what may be termed surface water is obtained, 
which, especially in cities contain many impurities from privy 
vaults and other garbage, which unfit it for drinking, or do- 
mestic purposes. If wells are of sufficient depth to escape this, 
the water should be of sufficient purity, and desirable. Some 
rivers furnish a wholesome supply of water, ranking them next 
to spring or rain water, but near cities, the obnoxious sub- 
stances deposited into rivers certainly make the water unfit for 
drinking use in the human family, as well as undesirable. Much 
is written and said about mineral water — natural mineral water, 
but it has not been the pleasure of the writer to sample any 
that made a flattering impression of any superior medical qual- 
ities, very desirable. 

Cool water is much safer to drink, to assure health, than 
ice water, and hot water will satisfy extreme thirst, frequently 
much better and safer than cold ; after which but a sup of cold 
water will satisfy. When persons are situated so they are com- 
pelled to drink impure water the addition of a little prickly 
ash bark will overcome much of the bad effects. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 53 

AIR. 

Surrounding our earth is a peculiar, transparent, invisible, 
inodorous, insipid, elastic, compressible substance called air, or 
atmosphere, which, by our natural structure, we are compelled 
to breathe every moment of our lives, and without which nei- 
ther life nor health can be sustained. It is composed of oxygen 
about twenty parts, and eighty parts nitrogen, by volume — ox- 
ygen being the constituent upon which life and health depends, 
its influence in the human economy being marvelous. 

Obnoxious effluvia may enter the air, rendering it unfit for 
respiration, injurious to health, as decomposing vegetables and 
animal substances, and exhalations from animal bodies, of 
which nothing can be more dangerous or disease-producing — 
such as is witnessed in hospitals and so-called charitable insti- 
tutions, where • putrifactive, decaying, rotting human bodies, 
beings in one or other advanced stage, are huddled together in 
small space, compelled to inhale this heterogeneous mix, added 
to which is usually the equally dangerous and obnoxious car- 
bolic acid, which is one dangerous and detestable stink attempt- 
ing to cover up another dangerous and detestable stink. When 
one considers the disease-producing nature of such as the above, 
the conclusion would naturally be that inmates who survived 
such surroundings very long were possessed of powerful vitality 
or extraordinary capacity for resisting disease. 

For the safety of health it is best to avoid, as far as possi- 
ble, in any of its various impurities, impure air, situating so 
that abundance of pure air may circulate and surround every 
individual. 

HEAT, OR WARMTH OF THE BODY, 

The heat or warmth of the human body is necessary to 
every normal action of the body. No tissue formation or mo- 
tor power can go on without it; therefore it is essential that 



54 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

this matter of supplying and preserving the heat of the body 
receive necessary attention. To keep up the heat of the body 
two things are necessary: the prime factor for this purpose 
being the physiological function known as oxygenation, or burn- 
ing up of its own structure, and food taken for this purpose ; 
and, though second, very essential, proper artificial covering 
that prevents the rapid escape of heat, or retains it. The 
proper clothing of the body is much more essential than is 
generally presumed. A rough estimate of the benefits to be de- 
rived from it may be gained from observing the healthy condi- 
tion of the domestic animals that have been well housed, and 
the unhealthy condition of those left exposed to the inclement 
weather. 

Exercise, well and judiciously taken, is an aid to increased 
oxygenation, warmth, and to its proper distribution through- 
out the body. 

SLEEP. 

Sleep, sweet sleep! What a boon to the animal nature, es- 
pecially the human family! It shuts out many wearinessess, 
perplexities and botherments, rests the tired nerves, the weary 
muscles, invigorates the mind ; resuscitates the exhausted ener- 
gies of the system in health, and it better effects the removal 
of the abnormal conditions in the unhealthy, than almost any 
thing else known. It is a necessary companion in life, aiding 
in the harmonious performance of its functions. The cerebral 
and sensorial functions of the body are in complete suspension, 
giving necessary rest to the mind, thereby enabling it to again 
act with vigor. 

The vitality of the body can be concentrated for its own 
repair and protection, as every function is in abeyance, and the 
waste of the tissues is almost entirely checked. A person in a 
state of health in natural sleep is in a state of torpor — does not 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 55 

even dream, and the time occupied in this state of rest is blot- 
ted out of existence, as it were. At night all nature is in a 
state of passiveness, and this is strictly in accord with the laws 
of nature, which are ever in harmony with each other; hence 
night is the proper and natural time for sleep, and those who 
deprive themselves of its benefits are "burning the candle of life 
at both ends," hence it will be the sooner consumed — the activ- 
ities of the vital energies which render life of value, are lost. 
Sound and quiet sleep in its natural time — night, is not only 
conducive to good health, but good morals as well. Loss of 
sleep in its natural time injures the vision, is conducive to men- 
tal derangement, prostrates the general system, and makes it 
more susceptible to disease. 

Individuals laboring under disease, may be benefitted by a 
nap in the day time, also young children of great activity of 
body and mind. Infants require almost their entire time for 
sleep, especially for the first few months ; children from two to 
seven years require from ten to twelve hours; healthy adults 
from seven to nine hours, and the sick require longer time. 

A fire is permissible in sleeping rooms in cold, damp 
weather ; and especially if gettings up and down must be con- 
tinued into the night. Young persons should not sleep with 
old people; persons in health should not sleep with those who 
are diseased; attendants should not sleep in a closed room 
where the sick are. 

Inability to sleep may arise from various causes, as extreme 
fatigue of body and mind ; undue excitement of the emotions, 
joy, fear and grief; over-eating, especially at late hours in the 
night; flatulence, constipation of the bowels, extreme heat or 
cold, vitiated condition of the atmosphere in the sleeping 
apartments, incompatible companion, habit of having no reg- 
ular time of taking sleep, too close confinement in doors, sed- 
entary and indolent habits, and fits of ill temper. 



56 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

To secure sleep before resorting to the use of hypnotic 
drugs, the influence which prevents sleep should be removed. 
Hypnotics give but temporary relief and in the greatest num- 
ber of cases leave the subject in a far worse condition than 
before. When individuals are able to do so, exercise in the 
out-door air, or even sitting in the out-door air, will frequent- 
ly induce sleep; the avoidance of bad or immoral conduct, 
avoidance of stimulants and opiates. A sponge bath, using hot 
or very warm water, is beneficial ; a half a pint of hot water 
drunk just before retiring, or a cup of hot milk, will frequent- 
ly induce sleep when many other things have failed. If the 
bowels are constipated use a hot water injection per rectum, 
just before retiring, or take a physic. Pleasant music, vocal 
or instrumental, or pleasant reading will frequently soothe to 
sleep. 

The "early to bed and early to rise" has never lost 
its virtue, not only being helpful to good health but morals as 
well. Upon retiring, first lie upon the right side, that the food 
may the more easily pass from the stomach. 

Scientists claim that it is better to sleep with the head 
to the north, that there is an electric current passing through 
the system when lying down, whether awake or asleep, and 
that its influence is best with the head to the north. 

The head should rest a little higher than the lower extrem- 
ities during sleep. 

BEDDING. 
Some observers consider hair the best fabric for forming the 
beds on which we sleep, but this is as objectionable as feathers. 
Cotton, probably, or wool, is the most suitable fabric for mak- 
ing the cushions or mattresses on which to sleep. Moss also 
makes a comfortable mat. Less expensive material, and that 
which may be exchanged as frequently as may be desired, is 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 57 

straw, and by its admission of frequent changes for new ma- 
terial, from its being so inexpensive and also its not uncom- 
fortableness, probably meets requirements generally. A cotton 
mat from three to five inches thick, made to fit neatly over the 
mattress, is a very great improvement to any of the mattresses 
offered in the markets. These mats may be made by placing 
cotton between cheese cloth or other fabric and quilting it di- 
agonally, or what is far better, in large fan shapes, the lines 
about three inches apart. This prevents the cotton from lump- 
ing up when it is being handled. Made in the above way, mats 
may be cleansed as frequently as desired. Any fabric continued 
in use too long without cleansing and freshening up is objec- 
tionable, no matter what that fabric may be. There are some 
cases in which feathers form the most suitable mat to sleep 
upon; these subjects will be found among the lymphatic tem- 
peraments, those advanced in age, and some very young chil- 
dren. The air and the water beds serve when patients must be 
confined to the recumbent position for considerable time, but 
they should be covered with a thick wool or cotton mat. 

QUIET. 

Periods of quiet are essential throughout life during our 
best health, and especially is quiet necessary in conditions of 
sickness; so essential that its prominence in value to the 
economy of the body is almost parallel with food. In many 

cases of ill health it is the only requirement. Disease is scarce- 
ly more wearing on the sick than being disturbed by con- 
stantly being asked something, or the continual chattering of 
others in their hearing. There is no doubt there are thousands 
every year, absolutely talked to death, that would have re- 
covered had they been permitted even a little quiet. It is so 
frequently the case that the sick are required to entertain 
more while sick than had ever been expected of them when 



58 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

they were in vigorous health; and often times they must en- 
tertain many whose only motive for calling at all is simply 
a morbid curiosity and desire for notoriety. This class of vis- 
itors is more wearing on the sick than disease. 

No more talking should be permitted in the sick's room 
than is absolutely necessary for the caring of the sick ; and 
what is necessary to say should be spoken mildly, but dis- 
tinctly, never allowing whispering in the sick's room. If there 
are secrets to keep from the patient, keep them entirely away 
from the patient. If it is evident that the patient cannot re- 
cover, the fact should be made plain to the patient as soon 
as this is evident to the physician or attendants. It is pos- 
itively cruel and unjust to withhold this knowledge from any 
patient who is of sufficient age to understand what death 
means. Any continued noise soon becomes very annoying to 
the sick, however slight in itself. In all your relations with 
the sick, be firm but kind, always giving the patient to un- 
derstand that you will avoid doing what is not for the best. 
The whining, grunting, sing-song, drawling noise some indi- 
viduals indulge in when sick, is extremely exhausting, and 
should not be permitted. 

EXERCISE. 

To keep the body in healthy condition the parts must be 
called into activity, and for this purpose muscular exercise is 
necessary. Muscular exercise judiciously taken, commencing 
moderately and never carried to exhaustion, favors eliminating 
and excreting the detritus and debris from the economy, thus 
purifying the blood by removing morbid matters, relieving 
nerve pressure, facilitating the normal functions of nutrition, 
respiration and circulation of the blood, and normally stimu- 
lating the appetite and digestion. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 59 

Besides conserving of the health by aiding in facilitating 
the functions of the economy, exercise develops and strength- 
ens the body to a degree. From the deficiency of muscular 
exercise, the body of persons of sedentary habits are over- 
burdened with old and partially worn out material, which by 
poisoning the blood and depressing the nerves incapacitates for 
both mental and manual labor, makes the subject feel dull, 
tired and frequently morose and despondent, and exhibit a 
general lack of vigor — a general lack of the elasticity accom- 
panying health. 

In supplying and administering the necessary comforts of 
life there is embodied plenty of healthful exercise, both for 
maintaining health and for muscular development, for those 
who are walling to take it in that way. But many prefer 
almost any other method, even if by so doing they are de- 
prived of many necessaries of life, which to provide to themselves 
would not only supply them w^holesome exercise, but ought 
to give much pleasure as well, in the possession of them; for 
such and the very few others, who by environments are de- 
prived of such privilege, there are various athletic exercises 
and amusements, those which may be indulged in in out-door 
air being preferable. 

It is remarkable how vigorously a young man will pound 
a punching-bag, or jump over a pole, in the athletic rooms — 
away from home, and after walking perhaps two or three 
miles to get there, who when at home would not pump a 
pail of water, or hang up his coat or hat. And a young lady 
will dance three-fourths of the night, or ride a bicycle eight or 
ten miles, but will not even so much as put her own sleeping 
room in order, at home, even when there are no other hands 
but mother's to do all the menial work. 



60 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

BATHS. 

In the first book of Pliny's "Historia Naturalis," chap- 
ter twenty, we are informed that for six thousand years Rome 
needed no medicines but her baths. If the world's cleanliness 
must be measured by the amount of medicines consumed and 
the number of doctors employed, we are in the filthiest age the 
world ever knew. 

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and is a prevention of dis- 
ease as well as a restorer to health. For cleanliness of the 
human body, baths are employed, by which the secretions 
which are thrown out from the body and such offensiveness as 
attach to the body, are removed. 

While proper bathing is always beneficial, improper bathing 
may be very injurious, and some knowledge of the proper tem- 
perature of the water is quite essential, as well as proper modes 
of administering it. 

The different modes of bath may be named the following: 

Sponge, or towel bath. 

Rain, or shower bath. 

Plunge bath. 

Sitz bath, and wet pack. 

The essential frequency of bathing can only be determined 
by observation. Individuals who are daily exposed to contact 
with filths, require daily bathing for cleanliness, w r hile for per- 
sons less exposed, two or three baths weekly will usually be 
sufficient. 

For individuals of the abdominal-lymphatic temperament, 
being of gross and sluggish habit, and intemperate eaters, the 
daily bath is absolutely necessary, requiring a vigorous use of 
the bath-brush, a substantial Turkish towel, and a liberal sup- 
ply of soap. 

Very few individuals are really benefited by the cold bath, 
under any circumstances; the first effects of the cold bath pro- 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 61 

duce local contraction of the blood vessels, followed by reac- 
tion if there is sufficient vitality or vital energy — which is 
especially deficient in fevers, and in fact in all sicknesses of every 
kind. A mild application of cold water to the face and perhaps 
the head, in conditions of syncope and sun-stroke, if not carried 
too far, is beneficial, with hot bath to the lower limbs. 

The hot or warm bath is decidedly the best bath, both as 
a health keeper, and health restorer. Also for simple cleanli- 
ness. 

It increases and equalizes the circulation by withdrawing 
the conjested blood from the central organs, increases exhala- 
tions and respiration, lessens nervous excitement, causes seda- 
tion and abates languor. By its sedative action the hot bath 
allays irritability and irritation, assuages pain, calms, moder- 
ates and tranquilizes the general system, and, by its tonic 
effect, restores the healthy functions, obviates the effect of de- 
bility, increases strength and tone to the economy. The hot 
water bath is preferable, as it gives the best and most lasting 
effect. 

For usual bathing the sponge or towel bath is the best 
mode, it being adapted to almost every situation, from the 
most elegant sleeping apartment to the regular bathroom; as 
in this mode an ordinary wash-basin may serve to contain the 
water, which by means of a sponge or towel can be applied to 
the body, and in addition to cleaning, the sedative and tonic 
effect is obtained and the soiling of furnishings and furniture 
may be avoided. The bath should be followed by drying the 
body with a Turkish or other towel equivalent, rubbing suffi- 
ciently brisk to produce a glow. 

Sitting or remaining still in draughts immediately after 
bathing is injurious. 

I have never seen any particular good results from the rain 
or shower bath, but have seen some cases in which injury to 



62 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

health resulted. This mode of bath seems more especially 
adapted for public baths, in that it may prevent contagion of 
disease, which must result in plunge or swimming baths if such 
a thing as contagion exists. 

In the sitz bath the subject sits in the bathtub with suffi- 
cient water to immerse the the pelvic regions. Using water as 
hot as can be borne, this form of bath is especially beneficial 
in almost every disease affecting this part of the body, allay- 
ing inflamation and relieving pain. It may be safely adminis- 
tered in cases of excessive diarrhea, dysentery, flux, retention 
of urine, obstinate constipation, urinary hemorrhage, hemor- 
rhage from the bowels, or almost any pains in the pelvic region. 

The wet-pack bath may be administered by wrapping the 
subject in a woolen blanket wrung from hot water, and cover- 
ing this with a dry one. If properly done, it will produce per- 
spiration, which should be allowed to continue for an hour or 
so. When the perspiration appears freely, remove the patient 
to a dry blanket. 

Medicated baths are sometimes desirable and beneficial,, 
when the skin is hot, harsh and dry. Bi-carbonate of soda 
(common baking soda) added to the water, sufficient to make 
the water feel quite smooth when passed between the fingers 
and thumb, is beneficial ; this is also beneficial in many cutane- 
ous affections, especially where there appears to be acid odors 
associated. 

Mustard in powder, half a teacupful, to three gallons of 
water, makes a stimulating bath, and is beneficial in fevers, 
also may be administered when night sweats are present. 

Capsicum, one teaspoonful, to four gallons of water, makes 
an excellent bath when the lower limbs and hands are disposed 
to remain cold, flaccid and unduly damp, and may be used 
either as a local bath to lower limbs and hands or as a gen- 
eral bath. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 63 

The spirit, or alcohol vapor bath, may be administered by 
placing the subject on a common wooden bottom chair, with 
the feet in hot water, and surrounded by a woolen blanket, 
fastened close up to the chin and covering the remainder of the 
body to prevent the escape of the heat. Pour three or four 
ounces of alcohol in a dish or saucer, place it under the chair 
and ignite the alcohol with a match or pine lighter. If this 
quantity of alcohol is not sufficient to produce free perspiration, 
-withdraw the dish and add more. Care must be taken to pre- 
vent burning the patient. This bath is very beneficial in rheu- 
matism, bringing out measles and breaking up colds, also dis- 
pelling chills and fevers, or intermittent fevers, which it 
frequently does without the aid of other remedies. 

Sea salt, half a teacupful, to a gallon of water used, forms 
a cleansing bath, removing odors and obnoxiousness from the 
body with the lasting effect of soap, and often proves curatively 
beneficial in conditions of eczema, as well as many other skin 
diseases or skin sores. The clear white salt of commerce may 
be used in the bath. 

Half an ounce of aqua ammonia, added to three gallons of 
water used for bathing, makes the skin firm, smooth, and re- 
moves undesirable odors from about the surface of the body. 

DWELLINGS. 

There are comparatively few dwellings constructed or ar- 
ranged, built or planned, that are conducive to cleanly, healthy, 
comfortable, convenient or pleasant living. The smallness of 
space in the greater number of dwellings, alone contributes to 
miserable and filthy living at best, and a menial, drudgery, 
slave life for the one who attempts to keep house when a dwell- 
ing is so small or so undivided that the offices and functions 
absolutely necessary in the economy of a home must all be jos- 
tled, mixed and mingled together, deprives it of comfort, 



64 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

health and cleanliness ; yet far the greatest number of dwellings 
are constructed on this plan — in fact present an appearance of 
simply having been intended to be a place to drop into when 
the occupants have tired, or somebody else have tired of them,, 
and they simply retreat to a place they call their dwelling, for 
a temporary substitute for some other place, hence convenience 
themselves to it in a kind of make-shift way. 

The kitchen and dining rooms should always be built as an 
extension to the main building, the kitchen being the room 
farthest from the main building, and both should be provided 
with windows and doors opening outside so that currents of 
air may be passed through them to free them of the heterogene- 
ous odors arising from cooked and cooking foods, thus pre- 
venting them from permeating every room in the dwelling, 
much to the extreme disgust of everybody. An inside door may 
open from the dining room into a hall of the main building. 

A hall entrance passing from the front to the back of the 
main building, passing out onto an open porch or veranda 
both back and front, is a good and very desirable aid in the 
economy of the home comforts and privacies. This hall can be 
made to embody a great degree of comfort and utility. With 
folding doors across it, or draperies, the front portion may 
serve as a convenient place to admit those callers whom one 
does not care at all times to admit into the privacies of their 
homes, such as agents, morbid curiosity seekers, etc. ; and the 
back portion, in lieu of a more convenient place, may serve to 
place wraps and umbrellas that are in daily service. In the 
arrangement of the first floor, the rooms and hall may be sup- 
plied with double or folding doors, then when desired to do so, 
the entire first floor may be thrown together, or they may be 
closed each to itself. 

Though it is desirable and preferable that the sleeping 
apartments be on the second floor — up stairs, there should be 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 65 

at least one large room on the first floor that may be impro- 
vised into a sleeping room in cases of sickness of any of the 
family ; for no matter how well regulated a dwelling may be, 
there is a very wearing degree of discomfort and awkward- 
ness associated with caring for the sick of a family up stairs 
from the living floor. 

Every sleeping room should be provided with accommo- 
dations to admit of heat or warming the room when desired, 
and should be kept so the year round, and all damp, chilly 
weather there should be a fire or heat in the room before 
going to bed or asleep in the room. Bed rooms — the sleeping 
apartments in the home — should be fifteen by fifteen feet in 
floor space, and nine or eleven feet wall. 

The windows and doors of the building should be so ar- 
ranged that some place in every room may be occupied by 
persons without the necessity of having to sit in a draft if 
necessity requires the opening of a window or door. 

If sleeping rooms are on the second floor there should be a 
stairway situated back so that the duties associated with 
keeping them in order need not have to be passed through 
front halls, or other rooms, leaving unsanitary repulsiveness 
permeating everywhere. 

Bath rooms in private dwellings are a very desirable con- 
venience if properly arranged, but as generally arranged they 
are an extremely unsanitary affair, and health would be safer 
with only a common wash basin than with most of the ar- 
rangements in vogue. 

The dungeon closets and chuck places so profusely setting 
off the finishings of some dwellings are undesirable objects, 
supplying habitations for various vermin as well as musty, 
dusty, garbage hides generally. Wardrobes on rollers that 
may be easily rolled in and out through doors are much to be 
preferred and are more easily kept free from vermin. 



66 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A pantry adjoining the cooking and dining rooms is a con- 
venience if large enough to be accessible to being cleansed, and 
is supplied with light by window, if not so constructed it is 
a nuisance. 

Cellars should be so arranged that they may be well 
lighted and ventilated by outside windows. An elevator 
should be arranged from cellar to kitchen. 

Dwellings should be surrounded by at least three hundred 
feet by three hundred feet of ground space. This should be 
compelled by statute in each state. 

HOME. 

Home, while being the place of sacred seclusion and rest 
from the busy world without, is a busy world within. All the 
actors of life's great stage are there, the nation, the rulers, and 
the ruled; the church, ministers and hearers, all that life is or 
ever can be is embodied and emerges from the home. 

The highest desires of life should be concentrated in the 
home, and congenial love and friendship should link the hearts 
of its members. Home should be the garden of purity and the 
nursery of religion. Christian purity, moral and social excel- 
lence, should denote every member of the home. 

Happiness in the home depends upon every member in the 
home, harmony between husband and wife being not only the 
foundation of it all but the very structure itself. The dynamite 
which will blow the home to atoms is composed of discord be- 
tween husband and wife, giving the family affairs to the pub- 
lic, and the family control to the children. 

The example and conduct of the father give the tone to the 
happiness in the home, when he eats "sour grapes," it sets the 
children's "teeth on edge." Many men carry their load of envy, 
hatred, disappointments, ill-nature, moroseness, coarseness and 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 67 

ungallantries muffled in courtesy and pride, before the world, 
and pour it all out bare-faced into the home. 

It is too frequently the case with individuals who are the 
life and attraction of every company they enter, are dull and 
silent, cross and snappish in the home; and the most genteel 
out in the world, are too frequently gross, coarse and even 
vulgar and abusive in the home. Their social charms, kind 
words, tender sympathies, ready gallantries, bright expressions, 
cheery smiles and downy mantle of charity are all imparted 
abroad, and only the rude, coarse, vulgar, morose, stolid, glum, 
and uncharitable are retained for use in the home. This 
too often is true among both sexes. 

The individual who gives no kind word in the home, does 
not deserve any such bestowment; and the individual who 
does no kind deeds in the home, is unworthy of such gifts. 

Many men will listen, exchange opinions, counsel, suggest 
with people, the management of business, which is in no way 
of interest to themselves or their homes, but when wife expects 
such the gentle rebuke she gets for her trouble is frequently a 
torrent of those adjectives which are very like the name of the 
place for the future punishment of the wicked which the good 
minister considered "not polite to mention." 

There is no partnership entered into in which the "partner' ' 
is so unjustly treated as many men treat their wives. The 
partner in any other business enterprise — provided it is not 
the wife, is allowed or permitted to understand all the 
business interests and intricacies, and to share equitably the 
profits; — and an employe who has served long and faith- 
fully is remembered with "vacations off" and the "hol- 
iday gifts," but wife gets neither "vacation off" nor "gifts." 
I do not say that every man so treats his wife, but by far the 
largest number do. There are great, grand, and good men, 



68 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

who treat their wives as well as self, and believe them as 
good as self, but this is not the rule. 

Due consideration should be extended to every member of 
the home. But the mother and wife are most neglected in this 
respect. The wife and mother's work is a wagon heavily 
loaded and without springs; her cares are excessive and waste 
life by over-stimulation, as well as hard work and over-ex- 
haustion from giving off new beings, yet it is far too fre- 
quently the case that she is the last one thought of as need- 
ing a rest or recreation. 

Labor and business with some men is a disease, and the 
intervals they spend in the home, those coming in contact 
with them must be eternally rubbing them with some sooth- 
ing pomade, touching as tenderly and cautiously as if hand- 
ling dynamite lest an explosion ensue; the children must sidle 
off in some secluded corner, not daring to converse with papa 
on any topic, or to expect any entertainment, sympathy, or 
encouragement from him. "Papa is tired" is the excuse, when 
in fact he is either ignorant of his duty, or a lazy shirk. 

The most unpleasant husbands and fathers, the most un- 
just, and the most unduly exacting, are those who never asso- 
ciate in the home and hence know nothing of the cares' and 
trials incumbent upon it. 

THE HUMAN FAMILY WORSHIPERS. 

The human family are worshipful beings, and every indi- 
vidual worships a god, — and every home has its throne at 
which it kneels. These gods, unlike the gods of the pagans 
which were wood and stone, hence effused neither good nor 
evil, — these unseen gods of every individual — of every wor- 
shiper, are moulding, and directing the physical, mental, and 
the moral. Each worshiper constitutes a thread in the great 
web of life and their conduct, or life-work the woof completing 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 69 

the fabric — and the moral, social, religious, and conditions ot 
temporal comforts are the completed fabric. 

A LOVE OF THE BEAUTIFUL. 

A love of the beautiful is instinctive, and a cultivation of 
it is pleasing, profitable, and instructive, Nowhere is this more 
prominently verified than in the building of a home ; the archi- 
tecturally esthetic house, not only attractive but comfortable. 
Its handsome designs in furnishings, its elegant draperies, con- 
tribute to entertain and lend a refining and contenting influence 
to its inmates, and indirectly bestow health and happiness. 
The draperies and decoratives that may surround a home, of 
even the ordinary shruberies, is elegant, and that of the plants 
and vines of the tropics, is simply enchanting. 

The home is the material store-house of that which goes 
forth in the man and the woman. In the economies of nature 
there must be a generous supply of the best materials in order 
that the finest models may be evolved. "The rich blue grass 
of Kentucky makes fine cattle and horses;" sandy and rocky 
soils develope stunted cattle, and skinny and stingy owners, and 
niggardly surroundings evolve thorns where buds start to be 
flowers and fruit. 

Courage is not an attribute of brutality, neither is the love 
of the beautiful an attribute of weakness nor prohibitor of the 
useful and necessary. 

SUNDAY. 

Sunday is the savings bank of human existence ; it is God's 
special present to the human family, — a time for mutual com- 
munion of the father with his children. The Sunday is a three- 
fold blessing to the human family. Laying aside labors dur- 
ing the Sunday, permits of the members of the family coming 
together in social and mutual enjoyment, thus more firmly 



70 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

binding the bonds of family affection. It also answers a grand 
purpose in the physical economy of the body, by replenishing 
the vigor, spirit, and elasticity which the labors of the last 
few days have drained away, and permits the vital forces to 
gather up their powers to fill the requirements of the next 
succeeding days. By a special communion of the Giver of the 
Sabbath day, additional light, hope, and aspiration are ob- 
tained, and the activities of life are pursued with a better con- 
fidence and assurance. 

GOD'S MESSENGERS. 

While it may appear in the history of nations and indi- 
viduals, that the cup of their iniquity is full, the consequences 
are not means and instruments of God to accomplish any pur- 
pose of his indignation, as has been so largely taught. 

Pestilence, what appears to be epidemic of sicknesses, is 
the natural consequence of causes, but which are not "espec- 
ially sent" by the Supreme Deity as any special punishment 
upon us. Should we admit that these manifestations are ex- 
pressions of God's anger or indignation toward the wrong- 
doer, the query instantly arises, Why visit these indignations 
upon those who are doing good ? 

Hail, snow, rain, earthquakes, lightnings, stormy winds 
and tempestuous billows, are actions of nature, as are also 
the absence of these, or quiet times. 

Neither does the Supreme Deity select or elect any special 
individuals to administer any "rods of His anger." 

It is quite true that these manifestations, especially when 
they manifest in great severity, attract our especial attention 
to the Supreme Deity, thus leading us to the contemplation 
of His wondrous works, — and reminding us to u Be always 
ready. ' ' 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 71 

MUSIC. 

Music, that great harmonizer in all nature, holds an en- 
chanting power over almost all of the human family, the mys- 
tery of which is difficult to explain. It has checked the way- 
ward in his downward course, it has restored the shattered 
mind, it has prevented suicide, and restored to health the pros- 
trated nerves. By music we are refreshed, rested, revived, and 
take up the oars of the life-boat with a feeling of new vigor 
and increased courage. 

Music dispels bad humors, and the use of the narcotic stim- 
ulants, prohibits the intoxicating cup, and leaves the mind and 
nerves capable of better concentration on any work, mental or 
manual. It keeps out angry feelings, it soothes and uplifts, it 
quiets and tranquilizes ruffled nerves, it stirs the better nature, 
it refines it, thus providing fertile soil for hope. It banishes 
selfishness and brutalizing passions, it halts the wicked and 
causes him to think; it relieves pain, it comforts the old and 
inspires the young. 

Its influence in the home is pleasant and refining, bringing 
out the better feelings of our nature, and lifting the spirit into 
the finer ideals of life. It brings and leaves pleasant memories, 
and draws and binds us nearer and dearer to the home. Its 
mystic harmony alike expresses joy, praise, gladness, mirthful- 
ness, thankfulness, sorrow, sadness, grief, but each with that 
appropriateness and fitness to every occasion. 

Philosophers have unfolded the hidden meanings of many 
things, but are mute before the little scale of seven sounds with 
their changes and combinations. The world has ever seemed 
full of music, and yet we have something new every day, but 
all constructed upon that little scale of seven sounds. 

All humanity loves music, but what is the secret of its 
mysterious spell? So much has it embodied the being of our 



72 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

happiness that but few occasions seem complete without it. It 
has its place in the worship of the Great Giver of the divine 
gift; mirth and gladness want it; it is the welcome guest of 
the marriage altar ; and sorrow and sadness call for its mourn- 
ful dirge. 

Thousands of money are spent annually for the advance- 
ment and dissemination of the science of music, and the home 
is hardly well begun without some musical instrument as a 
part of its endowment. 

There are but few households where there is not at least 
one member gifted with a talent for music, and wherever found 
it should be cultivated and encouraged. It is quite useless, 
however, to attempt to make a talent for music, for while by 
long and careful practice, one may be enabled to play in a me- 
chanical manner, yet the thorough musician has music in the 
head and heart as well as the fingers. Musical talent is not 
made, but comes from above, a beautiful gift from God. 

Musical talent usually manifests very early in life. Mozart's 
genius for music being so manifest at the age of 4 years, it is 
said, that he was placed under an instructor, also that at the 
age of 7 he performed on piano, organ and violin, besides 
being an accurate composer. Listz was placed under an in- 
structor at the age of 6, and Jenny Lind Goldschmidt Night- 
engale at the age of three could repeat any song she had 
heard, and Adeline Patti appeared as a concert singer at the 
age of 6. Yet there are many gems that may remain unpol- 
ished till much later dates, and then give out the diamond 
brightness. 

While vocal music may be begun at a very early age suc- 
cessfully, instrumental music must wait for physical develop- 
ment, at least to the extent of the fingers being of sufficient 
length for touching the keys and otherwise manipulating in- 
struments. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 73 

I have taught pupils of all ages from 6 years old to 40. I 
find the children learn more readily and rapidly than those 
advanced in years. When a pupil has no natural aptitude for 
music, it is useless to spend time and labor to master the 
science of music. Mrs. Lily E. Baird-Tester, Irving Illinois. 

[The above article was given to me by my niece, whose 
name is signed thereto.] 

RECREATION. 

''All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy" is as truth- 
ful and applicable to the human family to-day as when first 
spoken. Monotony is one of the great factors conducive to 
the breaking down of health. Great activity of body and mind 
may be endured for a great length of time if recreation, rest, 
amusement intervene. Labor, care, misfortune, the frown, the 
awe, the fright, too prolonged study or attention to business, 
depresses and prevents normal action of nutrition and excre- 
tion, thus producing discord in the economy destructive in 
effect. The merry laugh, the kindly disposition, the play, the 
sing, the whistle, and cheerfulness, sustain health. 

In the school room where the instructor has no faculty for 
interspersing a little pleasantry with the daily monotonous 
tasks, we find almost all sorts of morbidites developed and 
developing, and in addition, moral perversions and depravi- 
ties. It is the same unhappy result in every condition and 
position in life when proper recreation and amusement are not 
provided. 

MENTAL OCCUPATION. 

An undeveloped and unoccupied mind is worse than an old 
ulcer to its owner, and equal to leprosy to the human beings 
around it. The evidences of our observations on persons 
around us are sufficient proof of this. The busy and contented 



74 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

mind is conducive to health, good morals, and longevity, 
while the discontented unoccupied mind brings the opposite 
results. Each person should so arrange the time and duties 
in life, that that harmony which should exist in the body and 
mind be not destroyed, neither by excessive idleness nor over- 
taxation in mental or manual work. 

CHEERFULNESS. 

The spirit of cheerfulness is reviving and uplifting. It 
drives away the gloom and shadows that come over our mind 
leaving us happier for its genial rays. Cheerfulness imparts 
elasticity to the mind, and exerts over the disposition and in- 
tellect a powerful influence for preserving health. 

Over all the acts of life it throws a charm, aiding its pos- 
sessor to adapt his mind to his conditions, thus spreading 
its genial rays over the heart amid the trials and difficulties of 
the world, and is fit companion of hope. Cheerfulness banishes 
anxious care and discontent, it rounds the edges of the sharp 
sword, smooths discord, promotes digestion and refreshing 
sleep, and as the sun at even-time lines the thickest clouds 
with its golden beams, soothes the declining hours of life. 

PROSPECTIVE. 

The high-breds, so called, the dainty and luxuriously raised, 
do not possess that force so necessary to a well poised body 
and mind. Their plenty is made the parent of inactivity, and 
their luxury begets do-nothing and often vicious habits; hence 
a dwarfing of both body and mind, tending to degeneracy. 
They do not exert their bodily powers sufficiently to develop 
a fine physique, and retain a good mental equipoise. They may 
be busy, yet their occupation is not invigorating, and is defi- 
cient in wholesome impulse, a little crochetting, manipulating 
of the piano keys a little, and a walk to papa's shop or office, 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 75 

or a game of base ball, an hour spent at reading, does not de- 
velope the robustness of a symmetrical body, and a clear and 
well poised or well balanced mind. Their digestion and assimi- 
lation are poor, and their blood is impoverished. Their chief 
prospective is a little pecuniary inheritance. Social excitement 
and stimulations are exhausting. They are a species of dissipa- 
tion that one can no more afford to indulge in than any other dis- 
sipation, placing them on a plane with the poorest and lowest 
classes whom drudgery, drink and destitution degrade and 
degenerate. 

It were far better that their foods were plain and whole- 
some, than the stimulating confections, and that their occcu- 
pations encompassed more of the common laborer, or the hus- 
tle and stir of the working maid. This class will degenerate 
almost as rapidly as the lowest grades of life, while those com- 
ing from the middle class of life, possessing the best physical 
development, are well grown and comely, will rise, progress, 
advance. Through wholesome habits of living, and vigorous 
exercise, is the only means of attaining and maintaining phys- 
ical and intellectual beauty. 

MEASURE OF ATTAINMENT. 

One of the greatest differences between people is found in 
the varying degrees of capacity for growth, attainment, expan- 
sion. Some attain full growth very early and never seem to 
expand in all after life. If the power to grow could be meas- 
ured, the career of each life could be predicted to a nicety, but 
as this can never be done it must remain the uncertain element 
in every one's life. 

There are many young people of great promise who never 
fulfill the pledge of youth, and many young people who exhibit 
but feeble promise reach at last the diamond of greatness. If 
we closely examine these shadows cast before, we will be led 



76 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to see that what has appeared to be great promise was arro- 
gance, and what seemed to be feeble promise was, in fact, the 
real substance. 

The capacity for growth is not only the measure of attain- 
ment, but lends great interest to life. Growing people learn 
something from everything they see, do or hear. Nothing 
touches them but it teaches them, and from the heaviest bur- 
dens get a something that compensates for their weight, and 
even sorrows bring out greater strength. The poise is not dis- 
turbed by the most brilliant success and the varied and endless 
experience of life never becomes monotonous, but on the con- 
trary it is as replete with unfailing interest as the pages of a 
book which one constantly turns with keen anticipation. The 
power to grow is kept increasing by observation and the desire 
to know more. 

EXPERIENCE. 

The expertness of experience is a most powerful factor for 
success in any line of business. It gives that something that 
mind study cannot give, a culture that books cannot impart. 
It is the education of both mind and muscle that makes one a 
king in his realm. While theory is something, practice is more 
— it is that expertness of experience necessary to success, giv- 
ing that "simple twist of the wrist" that makes every part of 
the business work together in harmony to success. Skill does 
not always result from genius — genius is not always rewarded 
by skill, only by working together, by hard study and practi- 
cal application. If you would know the value of the expert- 
ness of experience, try your hand at untrained labor or busi- 
ness, your products will be in ludicrous contrast to the pro- 
ducts of the trained hands of a master. The master of every 
vocation must possess that expertness of experience necessary 
to success. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 77 

HARD WORK. 

A great many people imagine themselves busy and exploit 
that they are hard worked, who in fact to simmer down their 
whole week's work it would not average out two hours' work 
daily. If confusion, the chattering to this one and that one, 
the going here and there, the trailing about nowhere in par- 
ticular but everywhere in general with no time for anything, 
and nothing ever done, the gaping and staring at what some 
one else is doing and never doing anything themselves, con- 
stitutes hard work, it is a marvelous wonder that a grand 
army of people are not dying suddenly from over-work every 
day. The real fact is that there is probably one in five hun- 
dred that is really doing a day's work — and they are not the 
ones who are dying from over-work either. 

Work is health producing. It is an equalizer in the econ- 
omy. Vigorous work forces off and out the wastes of the 
body, and cleansing it out, relieves depression by removing 
the -wastes, and thus favors the spring in life — the gathering 
up of life's energies for continued work and being. 

The break-downs that occur in the prime of life are not 
the result of intelligent systematic work. Plenty of honest, 
vigorous work is not only an essential to physical good health, 
but it is a most excellent moral purifier. God knew quite well 
what he was doing when he placed the human family in the 
world in a condition necessitating vigorous manual labor or 
work, to provide their temporal needs. Abundance of vigorous 
manual work is a prime safeguard to a nation's moral purity. 
There are a large number of stuffed people — a kind of auto- 
matic species, who only move when forced to do so, but these 
are not workers. 



78 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The ghastly, sickly, sentimental literature, in many forms 
and under various guises is destructive to the good morals 
of not only girls but boys also ; but the greatest source of 
evil-producing is the newspaper. The blood-curdling falsehoods 
that fill the columns of a class of them, at least, that flood 
the country, are hot-beds of crime, and their production should 
be prohibited. Besides educating the growing youths to 
crime, by magnifying and misrepresenting, influences for harm- 
ful purposes, honest and unsuspecting adults. Such publications 
by 'wrongfully and unduly influencing the public into criminal- 
ity, commit a felony, and should be so punished by law. 

There are many people who believe most everything they 
see in newspapers, that, to give these some light to enab 1 e 
them to discriminate in admitting literature into the family 
reading, I copy from the Med. World, July, 1878, the follow- 
ing: "At a dinner given the members of the press in New York 
some time ago, a journalist was called upon to reply to the 
toast, 'An Independent Press.' Knowing we have no inde- 
pendent press among the powerful papers of the nation, he 
for a long time refused to reply, but being insisted upon to 
do so, said : 'There is no such thing in America as an inde- 
pendent press, unless it is out in the country towns. You are 
all slaves. You know it and I know it. There is not one of 
you dare express an honest opinion. If you express it, you 
know before hand that it will not appear in print. I am paid 
$150.00 a week for keeping honest opinions out of the papers 
I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries 
for doing similar things. If I should allow honest opinions to 
be printed in one issue of my paper, like Othelo, my occupa- 
tion would be gone. The man who would be so foolish as to 
write honest opinions would be out in the streets looking for 






NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 79 

another job. The business of leading journalists is to distort 
the truth, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon 
and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread, or 
about the same, his salary. You know this and I know it, 
and what foolery to be toasting an independent press. We 
are the tools and the vassals of the rich men behind the 
screens. We are jumping jacks. They pull the string and we 
dance. Our time, our talent, our possibilities, are all the prop- 
erty of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."' 

TIME. 

Time is the estate out of which all workers carve whatever 
inheritance is left their successors, let that be great or small. 
Every day of our lives should be used with that sincere con- 
sciousness that our days are numbered, and that the night 
comes when no one can work. Time is the warp of life's work, 
and that accomplished by each individual in deeds, or words, 
constitutes the woof, finishing the fabric. These materials are 
to the greatest extent, one's own choosing; and the fabric, 
when finished, is of value in proportion as the materials were 
well selected, and the work well and carefully executed. The 
weaver may sluggishly and carelessly execute, or, may "beat" 
the well chosen "woof" firmly into the "warp." 

Time is ever rolling on, and the shuttle is as constantly 
darting back and forth, and whatever you have placed therein 
is leaving its traces — is a permanent thing, and what you have 
purposed to accomplish will be the result. 

The yesterdays can never be recalled, the tomorrows never 
get here ; today only is ours. As each day is passing into yes- 
terdays, let the engravings upon its marble face be something 
good, useful, and instructive. In the moments of todays the 
fragments which make up the sum of successes in any pursuit, 



80 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

occupation or calling, are gathered, if gathered they ever are. 
One great tendency of a large number of the human family 
is to drift aimlessly along — very like a handful of mixed rubbish 
thrown upon a stream of water — drifting along only by force 
of the current, thumped, bumped and jostled along by what- 
ever chances to come in contact with it — with no higher aim, 
no other object in view, no more desires to better their own 
condition, or any other of the human family. 

While the school room is essential and must ever have its 
place, and is, and always must be given credit due its great 
work, yet many of the greatest attainments have accrued from 
the use to which the odds and ends of time have been put. In 
merely the fragments of time languages have been mastered, 
trades and professions been learned, inventions worked out, 
good books written, as well as many other valuable benefits. 

The individual who uses his time best, is not only the most 
comfortable, but the happiest. 

That an individual performs manual labor to earn the daily 
bread does not bar from intellectual improvement. There are 
odd times in every life, and if even part of this time is daily 
devoted to reading, writing, music, painting, or any similar 
attainment, great proficiency may be obtained. 

Physical exercise is absolutely necessary to healthy mental 
development as well as the assurance of physical health, and 
for this purpose nothing equals honest labor that is productive 
of good results. 

Very early in youth is the proper time to begin the prepara- 
tion for life's work. It is not only the time for mastering the 
primary elements of the sciences and arts, through the study 
of books which give the keys with which to unlock the great 
storehouses of knowledge, but the proper time to begin the de- 
velopment of the higher faculties and repressing of the baser 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 81 

passions by the influence of the will. The better principles in- 
crease in strength and beauty as they are exercised ; also the 
baser or animal passions increase by exercise, and if the animal 
passions are permitted to go on unrepressed they will gain such 
preponderance over the higher faculties as to render not only 
this life a wretched failure, but unfit for the better life to come. 
In youth character, either good or bad, is developed which en- 
dures throughout eternity. 

Character is what you really are and make yourself; rep- 
utation is what you are thought to be. Reputation is a prop ; 
character is both foundation and structure. 

All knowledge is not gained in the school room ; neither is 
character formed altogether from the examples and influences 
of home. Other companions and associates, and the reading 
matter, supply a great amount of influence, and in many cases 
completely overshadow the examples and influences of the home. 
Hence great care should be taken in the selection of associates 
and reading matter. 

There is no person so insignificant as to have no influence, 
and whether great or small, good or evil, contributes to form 
the condition and character of, not only the present generation, 
but the future generations to come. 

The people of the present century is the fruit formed and 
ripened by the culture of the thousands of centuries gone 
before; and as they have contributed to the present, in like 
manner the present will contribute to the future. 

No individual or generation stands alone; each is a com- 
ponent part of a system of mutual dependencies, the several 
acts of which either increase or decrease the human good, not 
only for the present, but forever. This is in harmony with the 
history of the world from the beginning to the present, and 
will continue till the end of time. The acts of no person utter- 



82 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ly die; though the material body resolves to dust, the deeds 
whether good or evil continue to bring forth fruit after its 
kind, thus influencing for all time to come. 

Every human being has a soul till it is crushed out, and 
when the soul is crushed out they consist of body only ; this 
class forms a dangerous element of society, and they are 
found in almost every position in life. What I mean by kill- 
ing or crushing out the soul, is the destroying of the divine 
element of our being. A soulless person is hopeless, the brake 
which checks the retrograde is destroyed. 

GETTING ABOVE ONE'S SELF. 

Many individuals choose some special kind of work, occu- 
pation, or profession, and very frequently without considering 
their natural aptitude or even acquired fitness for it, and will 
not engage in anj^thing else, no matter live or starve. There 
is a large class who like to appear ''professional, you know," 
and quite a "business" personage, when in reality their chief 
profession or business consists in living at some other body's 
expense. 

In the education of boys and girls one of the chief things 
that should form part of their education should be that they 
should never feel above performing any honest labor necessary 
to supply their temporal needs. In manual labors necessary 
for preserving and conducting the home economy both boys and 
girls should be familiar with every detail, and be able to 
perform what is necessary to be done. Also, in caring for 
the sick. 

I have been astonished at the amount of filth a man will 
enjoy rather than put his own hands to clean up, even after 
his own making, excusing the situation by stating that "there 
is no woman to do the work," the wife or mother being sick. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 83 

Especially do men and boys seem to consider that they should 
be either dummied in the home servitudes, or honored person- 
ages. There are a few exceptions to this, but this describes the 
greatest number. 

There are many occupations or professions, that appear to 
continue in vigor, while there are some in which the vigor 
wanes — the life appears to go out. They have lived their day of 
usefulness or their demands are supplied, or there exists no far- 
ther demand, thus necessitating the turning of attention to 
some other occupation to secure the needs or necessities of life. 

It neither indicates goodness nor intelligence to sit Micaw- 
ber-like, or refuse to seek another field of labor, when such con- 
ditions present. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

It is said that the Chinese physician when called to see a 
female patient, only sees her hand and feels her pulse, deeming 
farther than this immodest, — America's women's missionary 
societies send missionaries to China. Comment is unnecessary. 

"Hindoo women, who remain faithful observers of a re- 
ligion and customs many centuries old, prefer death to con- 
sulting a medical man". [Can. Jour, of Med. and Surgery.] 
This quality seems never to have been imported to America 
nor to have been found native here, neither from religious 
views, custom, nor from a sense of modesty. Hindoo is im- 
posed upon by enlightened (? ) American Christian(?) mis- 
sionaries ! 

NURSES. 

Nurses, or persons to especially care for the sick, are a 
necessity, — alw^ays a necessity in caring for the sick in hos- 
pitals, and though usually in families the nursing is done by 
members of the family, occasionally this cannot be done, and 



84 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a nurse must be obtained from other sources. Many of the 
old, fat, lazy, awkward, and clumsy, who so commonly drop 
into posing as nurses, matrons of children's homes, etc., be- 
cause of their lack of fitness for anything requiring intelli- 
gence and competency, and whose only qualifications consist 
in the above named qualities and ample ability to gossip, 
which with egotism, make sorry adjuncts to the sick's cham- 
ber and are generally more harmful than good. However, 
there are some competent nurses to be obtained. If the at- 
tending physician is a competent one, he or she, can so direct 
the necessary care of the sick in families, that some member 
of the family or very intimate friend can acceptably nurse any 
patients in the family homes. 

SCHOOLS.-THE PRODUCTS THEY SEND OUT. 

From the progress made by our children in school, the time 
consumed, and their incompetency for anything in reality after 
so much sacrifice of time expended, and suffering — yes, suffering ; 
I must say children suffer almost torture in many of our schools, 
both physically and mentally — it appears that the result does 
not pay for the effort. Much of the product consists in destruc- 
tion of health, distorted morals, undue discouragements and a 
general nothingness. Teaching school is claimed to be "reduced 
to a science," but the "science" consists in retarding the prog- 
ress pupils can and would make if permitted to do so. 

The school system of study seems to be based on the ca- 
pacity of the stupidest pupils, and all others must crawl be- 
cause the stupid ones cannot walk, thus completely preventing 
those who could and would advance and attain proficiency 
from doing so. This is a robbery that can never be repaid. 
Much proficiency is exhibited in scientifically withholding the 
real principles necessary to successful progress in the different 
branches taught. Especially is this true in the city schools, 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 85 

colleges and universities, and the text books treating on the 
various branches are stretched out to conform to this plan, the 
pupil being forced by the machinery of the school to wade 
through every step of mire before advancement is permitted, no 
matter how early he may have been able to collect out the lit- 
tle substance to be found. 

By this method from ten to twelve years of the pupil's time 
is consumed in attaining what any boy or girl of ordinary 
intelligence can attain in two years, unaided, if permitted to 
do so. 

Arithmetic certainly requires considerable practice to make 
the pupil perfect and quick at computation, but as it consists 
entirely of the application of the four rules, why waste so much 
time over text books and abstract propositions and problems, 
thus keeping the pupils from the practical knowledge so long? 

Geography, which is very largely a matter of memory of 
the eye, is inflated to extend through from three to five differ- 
ent books, by the use of which pupils go again and again over 
the same lessons, obtaining in the end no more than they 
would get by a few days' deliberate study of an atlas or set 
of maps. 

It certainly appears from the fruit given forth, and the time 
consumed in endeavoring to mature it, that the science of gram- 
mar is yet in a morbid condition, or bordering onto a state of 
chaotic ; or, it may be that the genius of some people is getting 
vent through putting asunder what God has joined together, 
from their indisposition to enter into work more productive of 
good to human kind. There is an immense amount of time de- 
voted to languistic anatomy, surgery, and dissections, but 
there are very few of those who have so long applied them- 
selves in this study, that can apply the principles of this science 
in such a manner that they habitually write and speak cor- 



86 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

rectly. The pupils pore over text books brimming full of defi- 
nitions but embodying so little intelligent instruction and that 
little so disguised, that frequently the teacher indulges in prac- 
ticing more and greater diplomacy to avoid being intelligently 
questioned regarding the lesson, than is displayed in giving the 
necessary information. Yet in this entanglement which is con- 
tinuing and becoming more and more dense, pupils are ground 
on though feelmg sensibly the bewilderment, and come out but 
little bettered by the struggle. 

Reading, writing and spelling are as successfully made fail- 
ures of. So much of such fruitless effort imposed upon children 
causes them to lose both spirit and impulse, sours their dispo- 
sitions, and causes them to despair. Thus thousands of hours 
of the most precious seed time of life of millions of children is 
spent in attaining nothings. 

Stepping forth into the great arena or sea of life, after hav- 
ing thus spent half their life, (which it requires by the methods 
of instruction in use in the "get through" these schools,) and 
having gathered so little, young women and men find them- 
selves unfit for any place in the struggle of life. Not having 
gained the tools with which to hew out the structure of their 
building, they must begin life anew as it were, and undo and 
do over so much of this primary work that should have been 
the foundation and tools, and looking forward seeing so short 
time left them to accomplish any great amount of completion, 
they become discouraged and attempt nothing. 

Much time is spent upon children in the school room to de- 
velope or grow that incomprehensible and much lauded some- 
thing called talent, little of which is found, and when found 
does so comparatively little for human good. When found, to 
develope it is good, and perhaps necessary, but tact is essential 
to success in any position. 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 87 

Talent weighs down with self-importance, it shows with 
its forms of training for reaching conclusions and acting. Ere 
it is ready to perform, tact has seen the goal and plucked the 
harvest, Tact is useful every where, slipping into places with 
sweet silence and glibness while talent comes by route, ar- 
riving in time to see tact triumphantly bearing off the laurels. 
Tact, ever keeping an eye on the weather-cock, is ever ready 
to take advantage of every wind that blows. It unravels mys- 
teries, surmounts difficulties, and removes obstacles. 

Talent, trusting too much to its training, drops into the 
awkward squad, while tact, never looking wondrous wise, 
seems to know everything without learning anything, dexterous- 
ly plays with the details of place, loses no hint, strikes the right 
nail on the head, sees everything, hears everything, judges 
quickly, acts readily ;— it is ready cash, it is obeyed, honored 
and respected, — it converts, it leads, it commands — it makes 
a way. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The well fed student can study harder, see and understand 
more clearly, and will come out of school better equipped for 
the battle of life than the hungry Cassius, who is not permit- 
ted to have sufficient food to supply force to run the engine 
that is being drawn upon with electric speed, or to keep a 
smooth road to run on. 

In mental work, in all periods of life, in proportion to the 
quantity and rapidity of the production — the mental work — 
study, the engine that supplies the force, that gives out the 
product, must be supplied with material for consumation, and 
this must come from the well nourished body. And in addi- 
tion, to preserve this force, the body must be well clothed and 
well housed. It is a great mistake to presume that a half 
starved, shivering, freezing student can study. I do not wish 



88 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to be understood as meaning that feeding should extend to 
cramming. I simply mean that feeding should extend to satisfy 
hunger. The plainer the foods the better; stimulating, highly 
seasoned foods should not be indulged in. 

A classical education should be obtained if possible, but on 
the present plan in schools, universities and text books, so 
much slush must be waded through to find the kernel that the 
student's lifetime is far exhausted and the task becomes so dis- 
gusting that it requires not only a great amount of courage to 
undertake the task, but also to pursue it. A classical educa- 
tion, minus its abundance of slush, is an elegant adornment in 
any pursuit of life. 

The demand of the age, however, is for practical people who 
are fitted to do something, who have a knowledge that is of 
some utility, for practical mechanics, architects, managers of 
large enterprises, engineers and inventors, and not for scholas- 
tic pundits. The age demands swifter speed for reaching results, 
and means for shortening distances, and whoever is able to 
produce these results is the hero — the hero wanted. 

"Book education", however, is something to help each to 
perform his part in life better than could be done without it, 
and the broader and more liberal the education the better. It 
enables to display genius to the best advantage and to use tal- 
ent to the best utility. The present plans, however, for study- 
ing Latin and Greek are so vague that years of hard study 
amount to but little more than lost time. 



"Heaven gives no stamp: Misfortune's tide 
Brings prince and peasant side by side; 
And who can tell the monarch when 
He ranks and herds with other men." 

"Strip off the robes of purple dye, 
Throw all the peacock trappings by, 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 89 

And nothing more than man is found; 
And often less — some scorpion worm, 
That crawls and stings in human form; 
Some upright brute, whose ruthless might, 
In covert of a regal den, 
Lays waste all mercy, sense, and right, 
Defies a God, and tramples men." 



M. Bertilon observed that the pupils of the Polytechnic 
School of Paris who were not smokers of tobacco held the 
highest rank in grades, and that the smokers deteriorated from 
the time they entered until they left school. 

SCHOOL TORTURES. 
Certain rules are laid down to be carried out without vari- 
ation, regardless of the discomfort and sufferings they impose 
upon pupils. One prominent feature of this species of torture 
is the habit of teachers of compelling growing children to bring 
the calls of nature to the teacher's prescribed time of permit- 
ting them being answered, strictly prohibiting these answers 
being made during study and recitation hours, and if a pupil 
is compelled by forcible demands of nature to make requests to 
answer these calls during study and recitation hours, a further 
torture is imposed by being yet further detained a half hour or 
more. 

And if these requests are made shortly after a break-neck 
run to school, or the great activity in play, or exercise upon the 
school grounds, the idea at once appears in the teacher's mind 
that the pupil makes the request to avail of opportunity to 
play truant. This is due partly to the ignorance of the teacher 
of the natural habits of the human economy, and partly to a 
pompous desire of showing "authority," and he takes special 
gratification in exercising this species of morbidity. 



90 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Boys suffer more from this species of torture than girls, as 
their games and amusements require more active physical ex- 
ercise. Active exercise promotes excretion, and exercise and 
excretion are equally as necessary as nutrition in keeping that 
harmony in the economy of the body so essential to mental de- 
velopment and growth. Shortly after exercise nature demands 
due attention to her needs, which, if not granted, is destructive 
to health, gradually undermining the health of the best consti- 
tutioned girl or boy, developing in some species of break-down, 
mentally or physically, or both, thus laying the foundation of 
mental and physical invalidism for life, or frequently snapping 
out life, sending thousands of children to untimely graves. 

While it is admissible that a teacher's patience is sometimes 
tried, and that the keenest judgment exercised in granting re- 
quests of absence from the school room is sometimes imposed 
upon, yet it were far better that three-fourths of the pupils 
stepped out occasionally without reasonable excuse rather than 
work such destruction on the large numbers upon which it is 
done. 

Failures in lessons are far more largely due to the bad 
effects of this torture upon the general health of the pupils, 
than to a lack of natural ability and willingness to work, or 
study, than is generally believed. 

Pupils suffer intensely from the temperature of the atmos- 
phere of the school room. While it is supposed that the tem- 
perature of the room is kept at a mean degree to average a 
suitableness to all, yet great mistakes are made in individual 
cases. The lymphatic and fat ones suffer untold sufferings 
from this mistake. The lymphatic constituted child sits all 
day chilling, — freezing through and through, in the same 
atmosphere that the one whose system is chockful of fat (the 
lymphatic, full of water) — firing up his engine to a red heat, 






NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 91 

is too warm, and is thus made too restless and fidgety for 
either comfort or study. 

These are only a few of the items of school room tortures 
for which it is the duty of parents to demand proper regu- 
lation for the safety and best welfare of their children. 

VACCINATION. 

When any theory of medicine or operation in surgery is 
enforced upon the people, their inherent right to govern and 
control their own bodies according to the dictates of their 
own consciences is wrested from them, and in this vaccin- 
ation, an evil is entailed upon the people there is no possible 
means of atoning for. The rights of parents are usurped and 
the sancity of the domestic circle is invaded, giving vile pollu- 
tions instead of a good adequate return. Medicine is far, very, 
very, far from being an established science; it is constantly 
changing, the practice of to-day being no more like that of a 
century ago than day is like night, and though changed, and 
slightly improved in some respects, in many ways it is re- 
verting back to worse voodooism than the darkest ages ever 
knew. 

Just as mercurialism cleaved the flesh from the bones and 
made the bones to rot, and living bodies to become charnel 
houses till the stench filled the world, and from which it will 
take centuries to redeem, so vaccination has permeated every 
avenue of human existence, till the blood of the inhabitants of 
the vilest slums of the earth — the libertine, the thief, the mur- 
derer, drunkard, or what-not, has been forced to flow in the 
veins of almost every pure family extant, thus working de- 
struction to those operated upon, for no other purpose than 
to enrich the pockets of the promulgators of the vileness upon 
so-called free people. 



92 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The bleeding mania, under this same mask or cover — science, 
turned more money into the physicians' pockets, of those who 
practiced it, — millions of times more, than from all honest 
sources; and sent an equal number more of people to an un- 
timely grave than have died from all causes of disease 
and accident combined. The same is true of the faddists of 
today. 

Syphilis, leprosy, and other diseases have been so thor- 
oughly disseminated that their impresses are daily met in 
scrofula, syphilitic consumption, and various other forms of 
premature decay, and thousands of infants die annually from 
the various developments of these diseases which mark the 
faces and bodies of the growing youths, and are the fountain 
source of the old sores of the aged. 

Vaccination as a prevention of smallpox or any type of dis- 
ease, is a delusion. It is just as intelligent, just as truthful, to 
claim that by inocculating a portion of a dead cow body or a 
dead human body into a living body will produce immunity 
from death ! 

The laws of the land make it a penal offense to associate 
with brutes, yet they compel the human family to submit to 
the festerings, pus-putridness being inserted into their bodies, 
thus poisoning their blood with the vilest of all contamina- 
tions, sacrificing thousands of lives annually. 

The following was taken from reports presented to the then 
emperor of the French, in 1867, by the Paris Academy of Med- 
icine: "Dr. Ducharme, a first class aid major of the first regi- 
ment of voltigeurs of the guard, engaged with great zeal in 
carrying out the instructions for vaccination. He said: 'After 
the medical inspection in 1867, of the first regiment it was de- 
cided to practice re-vaccination. I chose youths of rosy com- 
plexion, sound temperament, and free from acquired or heredi- 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 93 

tary disease. I completed a first series of operations on the 
third of December, 1867. The number re-vaccinated amounted 
to 437, when toward the end of 1868 a small pox epidemic in 
a highly confluent form broke out in the regiment. This epi- 
demic made many victims, among others one of the infirmary 
assistants, who died in the hospital of Gros Caillon. To what 
ought we attribute 'this epidemic in the regiment in which 437 
re-vaccinations had been performed, when the hygienic con- 
ditions, as space, ventilation, and food are excellent; when in 
the second regiment of voltigeurs, lodged in precisely similar 
barracks, in the same court, but on .whom no vaccination had 
yet been made, not a single case of small-pox existed?' This 
authenticated admission of the risks of vaccination was con- 
firmed by parliamentary Returns 433, dated 1877, and 392, 
dated 1880." 

"Dr. J. Mackenzie, S. F. C. P., of Edinburg, reported of 
himself to have taken small-pox after having been vaccinated 
and was wearing grand marks on both arms. And also that 
he had seen scrofula, and bed-ridden cases of abcesses as its 
results." 

Prof. J. Dobson, M. D. F. R. S., of the United States Med- 
ical college says: "It has been my lot to know of hundreds 
of thoroughly vaccinated and re-vaccinated people to die of 
confluent hemorrhagic small-pox, with various dangerous 
complications. I have also known large numbers who were 
vaccinated into small-pox itself, and die of the disease." 
"And his convictions born of personal observations and ex- 
perience are that vaccination has proved a curse, a delusion a 
miserable cheat, that has never been surpassed by the vilest 
charlatanism." And there are not many observing physicians 
who cannot give like or very similar reports. The writer has 
seen some of its very destructive and poisonous results, and 



94 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

no few of the made sicknesses which result from its implanted 
virus. 

By means of vaccination every family in the land is being 
poisoned and tainted with that most loathsome of all diseases, 
syphilis; and, under cover of reported statute this invasion 
has been, and is being repeatedly forced into the sanctity of 
our homes, poisoning the blood of our sons and daughters. 
The best of the medical profession are of the same views as 
myself in this matter ; every carefully observing physician cc 1- 
demns the vile fad, and feels the bitterest regret that vaccin- 
nation was ever permitted in our country, and more especially 
when looking upon its victims and seeing the traces of this 
destructive work manifested, and manifesting on every hand, — 
the syphilis, leprosy, suppurating sores, "cancer," and various 
repulsive diseases, that will "take," start a sore, or process of 
rot. These diseases inocculated into the system may lie dor- 
mant till puberty, and then bloom out with its ghastly 
aspect. 

PBST HOUSES. 

Pest houses, as constructed and conducted, are an eye-sore 
to civilization, a blot upon humanity, and a shame to boards 
of health and medical science. Small pox is produced by a 
poison generated within the system of pent-up execretions seek- 
ing elimination, and to corral such patients into small, close, 
ill- ventilated rooms jostled together, thus compelling them to 
re-absorb and re-inhale the poisonous emanations and vapors 
given off by their bodies, greatly enhances the chances for fa- 
tality, and is a crime and should be so treated. 

If these patients must be quarantined, suitable hospitals 
should be provided, healthily located, and hygienically ap- 
pointed, where they may be properly cared for, instead of 
committing them to charnel houses to die, because of lack of 



NECESSITIES AND COMFORTS. 95 

human principles, and courage to care and provide for them in- 
telligently. 

Infectious diseases depend almost entirely upon good nurs- 
ing and hygienic nicety for recovery, and it is both injurious 
and barbarous to deprive these patients of these necessities. * 

The evidence that quarantining, as practiced, is ol any 
value in preventing the development and extension of the so- 
called infectious and contagious diseases, is wanting, there 
being no reliable, corroborating testimony that quarantine 
checks the development, but the abuse put upon those affected, 
causes greater severity, suffering and greater fatality. Remov- 
ing these cases does not remove the cause that developed the 
case, and gives no assurance that other cases may not develop. 
The place for these patients is in their homes and places of 
abode. 

The right of families to keep their sick in their homes and 
care for them, should be protected. It is much safer for the 
patients to remain in their own homes. Removing these 
patients from their homes after any so-called contagion has 
developed, gives no assurance of prevention of disease to 
other members of the same family, — the causes which pro- 
voked the development of the one case, may influence the de- 
velopment among any other members of the family, or any 
one in the locality where it is manifested. 

LOVE OF THE MYSTERIOUS. 

From a love of the mysterious a large per cent, of the hu- 
man family will eagerly grasp at anything savoring of mystery, 
and the more deeply enshrouded in mystery that something, or 
nothing, is, the more eagerly possession of it is sought and the 
greater the sacrifice to obtain it. Not, however, with that de- 
sire to unfold and search out from the meshes of its mvsticism 
the real substance, being, or vital import, but rather from a 



96 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

kind of self-satisfaction of possessing the * 'mysterious," which 
satisfaction consists in possessing something the}^ "don't know." 

This is promiently manifest in every phase of life, but in 
medicine and with the religious sects it holds a most promi- 
nent place, both physician and minister succumbing to its en- 
chantment, and many by poise of body and head, expression 
of face, and, generalism, display an air of gravity of wisdom, 
of having knowledge that cannot be attained by the "common 
herd," and assiduously cultivate to popularize the impression 
as fact. And many physicians if approached by a person wish- 
ing to learn, or, a hint is given that the person has learned 
something, at once snub the bold intruder; and, likewise many 
ministers give but little better treatment. And this too, even 
when that which the lay-person has learned is more valuable 
than the knowledge of the physician, and even though the un- 
professed christian may have attained a greater understanding 
of the spirit and import of religion than the minister. There is 
a selfish love, or egotism exhibited by many, in imagining they 
possess a something unattainable to others. They look upon 
those others as inferior, in fact. These characters have simply 
been unable to avoid becoming the victims of this deception 
themselves. 

Examine the millions and millions of pages of the common 
works of medicine and they will be found filled with theories 
and mysticisms which serve no good purpose in the study of 
disease or the selection of a remedy ; and so with the sermons 
and theological effusions on the salvation of the soul of man, 
both of which when boiled down to the quintessence of the 
substance of the light obtained, are as meaningless as an un- 
written page of history. 

The diplomatic physician takes advantage of the incredulity 
of the people — their unreadiness to believe and receive sensible 
and intelligent facts — and magnifies little hills into monstrous 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 97 

mountains, advances all sorts of mysterious theories, gives all 
sorts of ridiculous advice. And the sermon embodying no par- 
ticle of sense, but delivered by the sensational minister, "holds 
the crowd." To cure this disease, use sense. 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 



MIASM.-MALARIA. 

Miasm, malaria, is a myth, with no foundation whatever 
of truth or substance. These are simply terms that cover up 
ignorance and fill places that would be void, though they are 
largely used to make the appearance of being learned. No 
chemist or microscopist has been able to define, analyze, or 
demonstrate what that thing called malaria is composed of. 
It is simply a product of the imagination, has no form, density, 
or substance. There is no such thing, cause, or force, and it 
is the embodiment of ignorance to assert that there is. Five- 
sevenths of the ailments of the human family, are attributable 
to that incomprehensible thing called miasm, and the re- 
mainder to infection, contagion, heredity, all of which is an 
unintelligent explanation of disease. 

There are so many of the theories advanced, and have 
been advanced, and so forcibly promoted, under the assump- 
tion of science, which are such plain monstrosities of error, 
that it is a shame that should force science to retire in great 
humiliation, and disgust with self. Under its banner thousands 
were bled to death, thousands were murcunalized to death; 
and starved and caused to die from thirst, — not being per- 
mitted to eat or drink; and were blistered for every trivial 



98 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

thing, were forced to drink teas made from the debris from 
the cow-yard, the hen-roost, and the sheep-fold ; and the 
latter-day-science adds other animal rots. 

When so called contagious diseases, are attributed to a 
mysterious something called contagion, but what it is, or 
who keeps a stock of it bottled up and lets out a "start" of 
the thing now and then, is impossible to find out, or where 
the thing may lurk in hiding. People drink daily of waters 
from rivers that are thoroughly impregnated with various 
offals, and yet do not die from it, while physicians abuse 
people for what they call " filthy surroundings" which make 
them sick. 

The fallacy upon which Jenner rode to notoriety, is an- 
other gross fraud, as has been proven thousands, and num- 
berless thousands of times. While Jenner is worthy of the 
credit of possessing the tact of seeing what great capital he 
could make of his vaccination vandalism, — that is the only 
discovery he is worthy of. 

The real substance of the observations of the dairy girls, of 
whom Jenner stole thunder, simply verified the old, old, knowl- 
edge that was known from time memory reacheth not to when 
it was not known by every "old woman," which is simply 
that sweet milk or sweet cream applied to many suppurating 
sores will cure them. 

There is not one remedy prescribed that its real relation as 
a curative agent is understood. People take medicine and get 
well, and it is taken for granted that the medicine cured them. 
Theories are lauded that have no particle of sense in them ; the 
more lauded the more tenaciously they are clung to. 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 99 

HYDROPHOBIA. 

That the disease called hydrophobia, is a delusion, the 
writer has been convinced of for more than 25 years. I have 
never in all of my life either seen a mad dog or a person with 
hydrophobia, neither have I met one individual who has. By 
searching the most reliable literature on this subject, I find the 
most intelligent class of physicians, of the same opinion as my- 
self, and, also, that they look upon the whole edifice of Pas- 
teurism as a bold species of quackery, its sole aim being for 
his own financial interest only. 

The exaggerated printed and oral accounts of hydrophobia, 
have been kept before the public in such nerve harrowing shape 
and the public mind has been so wrought up, especially the 
ignorant class, that the bite of a dog is sufficient to throw them 
into almost any kind of phobia-fits. 

"Dr. Joseph Harn, Professor of clinical surgery in Jefferson 
Medical College, says, 'that the bite of a dog is no more danger- 
ous than the scratch of a pin or the puncture of an infected 
nail.'" "Dr. Charles Dallas, lecturer on History of Medicine at 
the University of Pennsylvania, after an exhaustive investiga- 
tion both in the United States and Europe, is reported to be- 
lieve there is no such specific malady as hydrophobia, and that 
not a case on record can be conclusively proven to have re- 
sulted from the bite of a dog." "Out of 2,668 persons bitten 
by rabid dogs and treated at the London hospital, not one de- 
veloped hydrophobia. St. John's Hospital, London, treated 4,000 
patients bitten by mad dogs, without a single case of hydro- 
phobia." These facts are plain, these scientific quacks are 
simply pillaging the public. 

Dr. Edward C. Spitzka, the New York specialist, is reported 
to have remarked: "That much of the observation of suspic- 

LefCw 



100 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ious dogs is made through optics disturbed by fear, and by 
persons incompetent to interpret what they see." He is re- 
ported to have made untiring efforts to get hold of a single 
case of rabies in man or dog, for purposes of study, but with- 
out success. These evidences are sufficient to prove that there 
is no such malady as hydrophobia, but 1 will add a few more, 
in farther support of hydrophobia being a delusion. The fol- 
lowing is gleaned from an abstract of an address delivered at 
a meeting of the Nottingham Medico-Chirurgical Society, March 
18, 1887: 

"The speaker defined hydrophobia to be a 'dread of water,' 
a mere symptom, and the rarest of diseases — so rare that it is 
difficult to find a practitioner who has ever had a case — so 
rare that our great provincial hospitals are for twenty or 
even thirty years at a time without a single case — so rare 
that according to the doctrine of chances, a man is far more 
likely to be kicked to death by a horse than to die from the 
bite of a dog, far more likely to be murdered than to perish 
from hydrophobia — so rare that Mr. Holmes Coote, in thirty- 
five years' experience, only saw two cases at the great St. 
Bartholonew's hospital, London — so rare that in a million 
deaths only one can be attributed to hydrophobia, and this 
is always a doubtful one." 

The dog is said to have no dread of water, and the symp- 
toms which are said to characterize canine madness, are said 
to be conspicuous by their absence in the human subjects. If 
Baron Larrey's (the great French surgeon) observations may 
be counted for worth, conclusions must be made that anything 
that will produce nerve-shock will produce hydrophobia. 
Baron Larrey is said to have reported to have seen numerous 
cases of disease like that called hydrophobia, caused by gun 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 101 

shot wounds, among the soldiers who fought in Egypt at the 
close of the last century. 

The symptoms said to accompany hydrophobia, are very 
like manifestations of delirum that sometimes exhibit in severe 
cases of sore throat, fevers of various types, diseases of the 
stomach, alcoholism, lock-jaw, epilepsy, etc. 

"Mr. Scorborio, owner of a large home for dogs, is re- 
ported to have been 'bitten hundreds of times.' There are 
thousands bitten of which no notice is taken, and in which 
cases there are no deaths, and the licking of dogs is of daily 
occurrence, and Prof. Horsely is reported to have said that 
that is more dangerous than a bite, and yet where are the 
cases of hydrophobia from it. " 

Dr. Dolan, claimed to be an exceptionally experienced au- 
thority on hydrophobia, and who compiled an elaborate series 
of statistical articles for the Medical Press and Circular, is 
reported as saying, "the success claimed for M. Pasteur is 
due entirely to the fact that he had been treating patients 
who had been bitten by non-rabid dogs ; he has treated a 
number who had not even been bitten, but had been licked by 
dogs; he has even injected with bouillon persons who were 
never bitten or even licked, but submitted to the process 
through mere curiosity." 

"Youatt is reported to have been bitten seven times by dogs 
under treatment for rabies, and knew of four hundred persons 
similarly bitten, none of whom experienced any ill-effects/' 

The saliva or spittle that might be conveyed to a lacera- 
tion or wound is both curative and antiseptic, as any one may 
observe from watching the healings follow the dressings of sa- 
liva or spittle applied by the dogs to their wounds. 

The variations in the placements of the time of a patient's 
safety by the different authorities is amusingly ridiculous, some 



102 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

placing the time at twelve months, some at two years, and 
others at fifteen years. The query naturally arises : Where does 
the poison or virus remain all this time? And, what is neces- 
sary to develope it ? The snake bite, that is supposed to kill, 
does its work in short order, according to reports. And, ac- 
cording to some excellent observations of the human bodilv 
economy, especially must the mystery deepen when we must 
consider that by wear-out and natural decay we cannot believe 
that there is one single particle of our body remaining with us 
such length of time as fifteen years, nor anything near that 
time, and that even by the natural laws of elimination it would 
have long since been completely eliminated from the system. 

THE DIVINING ROD. 

The divining rod, used by men for discovering the location 
of underground water for purposes of digging to obtain it, is 
not quite so mysterious as the mad-stone, as the stick or 
divining rod's tricky maneuverings can be, and are too well 
known to attempt secrecy, and it is not often at this age of 
the world that it ventures out on its pranky parade, and that 
we hear of those mysterious discoveries of underground water 
locations being made for two dollars and a half to ten dollars, 
as of yore. It is not necessary to describe its maneuverings in 
these pages. I will simply advise that you try the trick of 
turning the forked stick in your own hands and you will be 
able to do as much in the discovering line as anybody else. 
This, I believe, is one of the fads that the "old women" do not 
place claim to. 

THE MAD-STONE. 

The existence and wonderfulness of the "mad-stone" is a 
remembrance since memory sprang into existence, with every- 
body, almost, for many decades back. I have not had the 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 103 

honor of viewing one since I was about eight years old, hence 
I cannot call to mind anything specially peculiar in its appear- 
ance. However, I have read much of its wonderful power to 
draw out or antidote poison of the mad dog's bite or snake 
bite. I have never learned of what the special or peculiar prop- 
erty consists in. That part seems never to have been discov- 
ered, or at least not to have been ' 'given away." Perhaps 
this part is kept secret from the fact that should it become 
known all the virtue would go out of it and its utility would 
cease to exist — at least its mysterious charm might be broken 
or become extinct ; or, some enterprising scientist might go to 
manufacturing it, as the scientists are manufacturing horse 
serum rot and * 'break" the market. 

Whether or not there is any more virtue in it than in any 
piece of porous clay is not known, neither can it be emphat- 
ically denied, as investigation to ascertain has not been satis- 
factorily made, and until this is done its wonderful properties, 
or no properties, must remain hid in surrounding mystery. 

As near as I can get a description of the "mad-stone" it 
resembles a piece of porous wood and is small in size — "about 
two by two, and a fraction over one inch thick." Its special 
color I have not learned. I remember hearing of many of them 
many years ago. I presume since Pasteur's horse serums are 
out that the mad-stones have become unfashionable. 

How its virtue ever became known I fail to find anything 
reliable to give this information. I will have to leave the 
readers to surmise. We can hardly presume that science made 
the discovery, nor hardly that some old plantation slave, nor 
yet some "old woman." 

ALCOHOL.-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS. 
Alcohol is not found in nature, nor provided for as a neces- 
sity in animal life. It is not a food or nutrient, does not give 



104 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

additional power, but destroys, depresses, and breaks up nor- 
mal life. It decreases the functional activity of both body and 
brain. 

The circulation of the blood to the brain and all parts of 
the body is at first greatly accelerated, according to the amount 
taken, shortly followed by great depression and exhaustion, 
showing conclusively that no power was added, but instead 
that a greater strain was imposed thus giving the result of in- 
creased exhaustion. 

It impairs the hearing, it blurs the vision, creates hallucina- 
tions, it deranges taste and smell, and destroys the powers of 
perception — the sense is blunted — palsied, and impressions con- 
veyed to the brain are imperfect and misleading. The sense of 
touch is perverted, and a clumsiness permeates the muscular 
body as well as the mind and the brain. 

The nerves are rattled and the mental capabilities impaired 
or destroyed. 

Alcohol predisposes to disease; if disease is present, it aug- 
ments it. It prevents the poisonous waste matters of the body 
being thrown off, and these retained, poison, and create and 
augment disease, preventing nutrition and creating a greater 
desire for alcoholic drinks. 

SELECTING A MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The physician must come constantly in contact with the 
people in the most intimate relations of life, and hence exer- 
cises great influence either for good or evil. The physician you 
would admit into the sacred precincts of your family, should 
be of pure and noble sentiment, of truthful heart, trustworthy, 
should be a christian. The physician who is a tippler, a liber- 
tine, given to profane and smutty language, is a leper, scatter- 
ing ruin both morally and physically. Do not employ such if 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 105 

in your power to do otherwise. The stupidity exercised by 
some people in this respect is astonishing, and by people who 
in other matters, exercise good sense. 

The competent physician proves competency by actual 
cures. The physician who is constantly losing large numbers 
of patients is not the one who is " getting more practice than 
he can see after," nor the one who is getting "all the bad 
cases." The writer knew a physician who, when he got a 
bad case, would get on a drunk. The good people would say, 
4 'he is smart if he would just let whisky alone." There was 
generally a funeral followed. He was a man, and it is likely 
that if he had been a woman, — the ladies would hardly have 
been so charitable, — no doubt they would not have honored 
the woman with at all calling her. 

The physician who enters the sick's room in spread-eagle 
hurry, indulges in high-flown panegyrics and bombastic mys- 
ticisms, is not the learned physician, as you will sadly learn 
before the patient gets well, — if ever it does. 

Schools of medicine do not make a physician. Alopath or 
regular, Eclectic, Homeopath, are names and virtually mean 
nothing, are not possessed of any particular skill, but under 
cover of either name considerable egotism may be embodied. 
There should be physicians. But the practice of medicine like 
the popular religions, is fearfully muddled up under names. 

No intelligent individual can devote many years to the 
study of disease and its cure without learning something of 
value, it may be small or great. No set of people can assume 
that all valuable knowledge is comprehended by, and embodied 
in them, but such is claimed with preposterous egotism by 
some classes. 

In all ages there have been erroneous theories advanced, by 
those claiming to be learned as well as by those making no 



106 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

pretentions, and nowhere are erroneous theories held onto with 
such destructive vigor as among physicians, and that too, by 
those claiming to be learned, except among those claiming to 
be religious. 

The aptness of observation and comprehension of physici- 
ans as a class may be fairly measured by the thousands of 
years they had the human body under observation — study, be- 
fore discovering the circulation of the blood, which lies at the 
foundation of all sound knowledge in physiology and the cure 
of disease; and, the treatment of the discover is the common 
manner of the treatment of one who has really learned some- 
thing of value in the cure of or prevention of disease. 

The constant wrangle for laws regulating the practice of 
medicine is simply a desire of its advocates to corral the prac- 
tice of medicine to their individual selves, thus depriving the 
people of any choice as to whom they may desire to care for 
them in their sickness, and is not for any desire to protect the 
people from any form of quackery. The competent physician 
certainly has nothing to fear in competition with quackery. 

The honorable physician rarely gets rich, more frequently 
does not possess the comforts of life. Very few physicians have 
amassed any considerable wealth at the practice of medicine, 
few even, who have attained the dignity of a paid-for home. 
Physicians who are reported to have amassed fortunes in the 
practice of medicine, either received their financial start by a 
rich marriage and accumulated a fortune by speculations in 
other commercial channels, or were left a legacy by some chari- 
tably inclined relative or sympathetic friend. 

There is no channel in business where the people expect an 
individual to give time, service, and an actual investment of 
cash additional for nothing, as in the practice of medicine. 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 107 

We are almost persuaded to say, that the true physician 
is born not made. The fact is evident. There are many thou- 
sands of medical men in the world, but not one-tenth of them 
are possessed of the natural endowment of the true physician. 
The true physician possesses a certain inate power, which en- 
ables him or her to detect, and recognize morbid conditions, 
which no amount of medical education or training imbue him 
or her with. It is a peculiar, delicate, intuitive perception, — 
an intensely personal endowment, resembling the trailing in- 
stincts of the blood-hound in its unerring certainty. The in- 
dividual who possesses this remarkable faculty, requires but 
little training to make a skillful physician, while many of the 
most learned and loudly lauded physicians are bungling 
blunderers. 

The true physician is also, a continuous and laborious 
student, and does not disdain to profit from progress in med- 
ical knowledge from any source. A strong love for freedom in 
all things, reigns in his or her breast, and a horror for rock- 
bound prejudices and narrow dogmatic teachings, animates all 
that he or she says and does. 

It is to this type of physicians that the medical profession 
owes its advancement and its salvation from quackery and 
empyrcism. Fortunate, indeed, is the locality able to obtain 
the services of such a physician, for the services of such borders 
upon the miraculous, and his fame, though merely local, is 
built upon a secure and lasting foundation. 

The physician you would admit into the sacred precincts 
of your family — and certainly to treat the wife and daughter, 
should be a woman, or if a man must be the choice, then cer- 
tainly choose the physician who is a man of a family. 



108 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

SPECIALISTS IN THE TREATMENT OE DISEASE. 

When speaking of specialists in the treatment of disease, ref- 
erence to practitioners who claim to treat some one part of 
the human body is meant. 

To treat, to successfully cure disease especially located in 
any part of the human body, the economy of the entire body 
must be thoroughly understood. No matter where the ailment 
may have localized in the body, the general constitution re- 
quires and must have attention — more frequently requires all 
the attention, as upon the abnormal condition of the system 
depends condition or cause which produced the local manifesta- 
tions. Our hodj is made up of dependencies which together 
form the structure and execute its various functions, and no 
one set of dependencies, or part, in the entire body can be af- 
fected with disease without the others being also affected to 
greater or less degree. 

While we may successfully single out the parts in a wooden 
machine, building, or production of art, and have builders or 
repairers specialized for the different parts in the structure, as 
a disabled piece or part may be wholly removed at once and 
an entire new part put in its place, this is not true with the 
structure of our body. Its repairative substances must be man- 
ufactured in the alimentary apparatus and carried by the me- 
dium of circulation and placed, granule by granule, in renewing 
of the parts requiring repairs ; and the wornout and dead sub- 
stances must be eliminated from the several parts and con- 
sumed and excreted by the several waste outlets of the economy. 
Hence it is evident from this meagre view that to successfully 
treat disease of any one part of the human structure the entire 
economy of the structure must be thoroughly understood — every 
part, office and function, its relation to each other and its rela- 
tion to the whole completed structure. 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 109 

THE SCARE DOCTOR. 

The scare doctor — there are many of them, they are a class 
who would have to quit the profession for want of business, 
were it not for their marked ability in the line of being able to 
take advantage of the credulity and confidence of the people. 
These doctors are of the ' 'blatherskite" variety, and know com- 
paratively nothing of medicine, or the body in health or dis- 
ease. They memorize a few high sounding words, and repeat 
them over and over, usually while fumbling over the patient 
they have been called to see — "making a thorough examina- 
tion." They blurt out about "high temperature," of which 
they know little more than a wooden doctor, and magnify the 
violence and seriousness of the case. To hear the gibberish of 
this class of doctors, they have an immense business, made up 
of the very worst cases imaginable, the diseases always hav- 
ing a monstrosity of a name. He goes about, day in, day out, 
deceiving those who have confidence in him, preying upon their 
sympathies and fears in every case he treats. He takes advan- 
tage of the woman in child-birth, and works both her and her 
friends into a frenzy of fear lest the woman will die, or the 
child must be torn from her with forceps — those instruments of 
torture and destruction, the woman little suspecting that she 
would be far, very far safer if the "meddlesome" wretch was 
far away from her. 

By his fraudulent representations of conditions he greatly 
disturbs the patient's friends, and through them the patient is 
directly affected — always made worse, and no matter how mild 
the ailment, every case is made a bad one. His scare methods 
make him many visits, but they bring worry, sorrow, unneces- 
sary anxiety, and gray hairs, and, frequently fatality to those 
who employ him. 



110 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAYING THE DOCTOR. 

There is a strange idea common among some people that 
a doctor must be a person of peculiar philanthropic nature 
who will find money, buy drugs and remedies, and not only 
keep them ready in hand for relieving aches and pains, but 
will hitch up the wagon and haul the remedies to them, ad- 
ministering to all, because the doctor is so sorry that they 
are suffering! Pay the doctor? Why, it never enters their 
mind that they should pay the doctor. Such people spend the 
money they get for anything but the real needs of life; they 
will take the good things ?of life and enjoy them without pay- 
ing value received. 

The habitual acceptance of help, or free service, is deprav- 
ing, and in most of the first instances, it was a lack of true 
womanhood or manhood to accept it. Help in emergencies is 
to be accepted, but there seems to be a class of people who 
manage to make each succeeding day the mother of an emer- 
gency. 

PROTECTING THE PEOPLE FROM QUACKERY(?j. 

The surest and speediest way of exterminating "quacks" 
from the practice of medicine is, for those who pose as scien- 
tific to give something in the shape of a cure, something that 
is not a propogator of disease and mutulator of the body, 
and something that shortens the continuing of sickness instead 
of prolonging it, and then people will not have to patronize 
the so-called " quacks" to get cured. But so long as scientifics 
supply more science than common sense and cures, the people 
will have to go to "quacks" for cures, as cures are what they 
want, and they will go where they are to be obtained. 

To be college bred, college stuffed, does not alone make a 
physician. If a person has no natural endowment or peculiar 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. Ill 

adaptability, all the college stuffing in the world will not 
make a physician of him. You may send any one to school, 
but if he is quite a fool he will not come out the wiser in the 
end. This is not to be understood as meaning that colleges 
can or should be done away with, or college education. They 
are necessities certainly, and must be, but broader consid- 
eration should be made as to the aptitude of the individuals. 

The best and the safest doctors we have in the practice of 
medicine today, are the self-made doctors, and this class of 
physicians together with the patent medicines, so-called, (they 
are proprietary medicines), are safe-guards to the lives of the 
people. Drive these self-made doctors from the field of the 
practice of medicine, and prevent the manufacture of proprietary 
medicines, and the safety-valve of human life is destroyed, — the 
Hood gate of the destruction of life is thrown wide open— just 
as when phlebotomists ruled with their bloody rod and killed 
their thousands. 

The mutilating, this cutting up of the human body, as a 
curative measure, has become maniacal, its promulgators 
are absolutely insane, and would be so pronounced by any 
sensible jury, if the real facts of the conditions existing 
in disease were presented to them truthfully. And the same 
is true of the promulgators and promoters of the inoc- 
culation vandalism that is being forced upon the people, es- 
pecially forced upon the people in cities and towns. The lives 
of the people are in greater danger from such insanity as the 
above, than from any conditions of disease ever manifested or 
that can manifest in human flesh. 

The self-made physician, is the educated physician infact. 
He has learned disease as it really is, — he knows its looks, its 
smell, its touch, its sound, and its freaks; and knows the 
action of remedies from actually seeing it. 



112 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In prescribing proprietary remedies, there is surety of ob- 
taining the purest quality of drugs compounded with the 
greatest skill, because it is the manufacturers ' interest to keep 
his product standard. 

HOSPITALS. 

Great attempts are constantly being made to dispense with 
the home, especially in the care of the sick. Poppin-jacks of 
every description, under every pretext conceivable, find, or try 
to find, an urgent need of a hospital. These institutions are 
made an excuse to rob, through every avenue, the public and 
private individuals of their hard-earned cash, for no other pur- 
pose than to enrich the pockets of the hangers-on to them 
who are unable to gain a living in straight-out and honest 
competitive business in any line. 

Hospitals to treat paupers, insane and criminals, may be 
well enough, yet I have never met a single case of these kinds 
which was bettered by any hospital care. Even these cases 
should be cared for in the city, village, township or county 
wherein they live or have lived. 

Every sick man, woman and child should stay at home in 
their sickness, even if they have nothing better than a box car 
or tent. This assertion probably seems harsh, but it is true 
nevertheless. The sick are infinitely better off in their private 
homes under the care of the family physician, who understands 
their constitution and has better regard for the patient than 
he or she can obtain in a hospital, because, upon entering a 
hospital, he or she becomes as one more machine to be handled 
automatically. If it is necessary to call consultants, call them 
to your home where you live. 

It is the gravest error to go to a hospital in your sick- 
nesses, where, in your weak, sick and helpless state, among 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 113 

strangers, it makes it possible to be easily induced to submit, 
against your better judgment, to mutilating, dangerous and 
unnecessary operations. 

However humble your home may be, the atmosphere about 
it is, and can be made purer than the atmosphere of a hos- 
pital. It is a grave mistake to presume that the atmosphere 
of the hospital is such as to promote recovery. It is far from it. 

The care and attention you receive in a hospital are far too 
much given by routine, so much so that it amounts to des- 
potism. 

The doctor who cannot or will not manage your case in 
your own home should be discharged. 

Never submit to a surgical operation before having other 
physicians, than the one first called, to examine your case and 
you choose the counsel you call. If your choice is not accept- 
able to the physician you had first called, have the one you 
have called examine you anyhow and give his opinion; you 
have but one physical life and when it is gone, or made not 
worth living, it cannot be restored, nor the condition can not 
be bettered. No rightfully disposed physician will object to 
these terms, either woman or man. 

Hospitals, so-called charitable institutions, colleges, medical 
and otherwise, have millions of millions of money tied up in 
brick and stone that if it was used to better the private 
homes, thus bettering the condition of the people, there would 
be millions of millions less crime and criminals. Millions of 
money tied up in these places and, in addition, every avenue 
pillaged for more money presumedly "to pay running expenses/' 
in addition to this free pillaging holding up the senile, who are 
mentally unfit to decide anything, working them for the dollars 
that should go to their dependent kin, and, in addition, the 
public treasury is amply drawn from. And this, while people 



114 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

are inhabiting, not living, in huts or comparatively out doors 
in lieu of decent dwelling houses, and destitute of sufficient of 
the needs of life to bar hunger and cold and means to enable 
them to keep clean. This picture is not comely nor is it over- 
drawn. 

CRUELTY OF VIVISECTION. 

The cruelty of experimenting on living animals is self-evi- 
dent, and needs no other testimony to convince. The extrava- 
gant and unfounded claims put forth in behalf of vivisection, 
are basely false throughout and throughout. There are only 
three crimes in the whole category that are its equal, and they 
are the prostitution of females, the experimenting upon living 
people, and war. 

Vivisection not only brutalizes the natures and destroys 
the sense of mercy and humanity of those who practice it, 
rendering them callous and cruel, and unfit to be among human 
kind in the capacity oi physicians, but makes them positively 
dangerous to the safety of life of the patients and people with 
whom they are among. 

There is no reliable evidence whatever, that vivisection has 
been of any beneficial enlightenment, either in science or in the 
care of human life. It is practiced by people who are actuated 
by a lust to satiate their morbid curiosity. People who have 
had their sensibilities thus destroyed and corrupted are unsafe, 
are dangerous, among the human family. The laws of our 
land should prohibit vivisection. If the laws will not, then the 
people should. 

Experiments on the lower animals give us no light as to 
effects on the human family. It is a well known fact that 
many of the lower animals can eat, without the least harmful 
effect, many things that the human family dare not taste with- 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 115 

out fatal results following. The experiments performed on ani- 
mals are misleading, both as to the effect of drugs, and anatomy 
or surgery. The opium that will kill a man will do no harm 
to a pigeon the body of which is many times smaller than a 
man's. The rabbit eats belladonna leaves with impunity, and 
the goats eat tobacco. A hog may eat without harmful effect, 
arsenic that would kill ten men. Many, many similar cases 
might be cited. Many manifestations of disease found common 
in the human family, are never found among the lower animals. 
Repairs that take place in the lower animals with the utmost 
certainty and readiness, in the human family are altogether 
different. 

CHILD-LABOR. 

However much has been said, and is being said, against 
children working in shops, factories and places where they can 
be of service to the proprietors of these institutions, and 
against children working in and about the home, the writer is 
of the opinion that to hinder or prevent them from so working 
is a grave mistake. 

The intelligent child will be active. If that activity is not 
directed into channels where it will give wholesome results, and 
children are left to their own immature judgments to direct, they 
may and are likely to run that activity into harmful channels, 
and that they do run into erroneous channels, when so left to 
run idle, is evidenced almost every day. 

To permit these children to consume all of child life in idle 
play, is not only an injury to the children reaching out through 
life, but in most cases, it works great hardship on the parents 
or guardians. Intelligent children -will be active, and these ac- 
tivities should be exercised in part, at least, in performing 
wholesome labor which gives good results, thus making them 
self-helpful in caring for and providing for themselves. While 



116 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

being so engaged they are not only doing a duty both to self 
and parents, but they are receiving a most wholesome educa- 
tion, which in due time will give back good fruit of well devel- 
oped bodies and well poised minds. With these two conditions 
the girl and the boy learn to love the good, and they will 
grow into good men and good women. They learn to look 
upon honest labor as wholesome and elevating, and upon idle- 
ness as harmful and degenerating. 

Let them go to school, most certainly, but do not lose 
sight of the fact that all the wisdom in the world is not bound 
in books nor contained in the cranial think-tank of a privileged 
few, and that though they may learn all that was ever printed, 
penned on papyrus, or graved on stone, they may yet be ig- 
norant. There is much outside of books to be learned in order 
to be really educated. 

Work is a practical execution of thought, and practical 
work promotes practical thinking, hence is educating. 

With part of their time engaged in wholesome labor which 
is productive of good results, and part to recreation, or play, 
there is a healthy equipoise of body and mind, and the children 
so occupied, both girls and boys, instead of being ruined for 
all life by being picked up and confined in so-called schools of 
correction, or industrial schools, will grow into womanhood and 
manhood prepared to make good, useful, and trusted citizen. 

OBSERVATIONS. 
If you would enter the Celestial City of Health, steer clear 
of medicine's Vanity Fair. Travel the road compounded of 
virtue, moral purity, cleanliness, wholesome sleep at night, 
early rising of mornings, honest remunerative employment, 
plenty of nutritious food, plenty of clothing, a comfortable 
home, pleasant companions, and a liberal supply of common 
sense. 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 117 

Invalids cannot regain health from drugs and air alone; 
wholesome food is a prime essential; hence, the location where 
the best supply of nature's own products of foods may be 
obtained fresh and mature, is the best location for invalids of 
any kind ; it matters not whether they are suffering from con- 
sumption, asthma, catarrh, bronchial affections, rheumatism, or 
anaemia. 

In conserving health and longevity, avoidance of stimu- 
lants and dissipations of every kind must be observed. Prac- 
tice temperance in eating, and total abstinence from the in- 
toxicating bowl and all other evils. 

The habit of bolting and cramming in eating, regardless 
of the quality of food, or the quantity required for the proper 
nourishment of the body, is injurious by over-taxing the 
stomach and digestive tract, forcing an unnecessary amount 
of work upon it, thus wearing it out. This a form of intemper- 
ance which is leaving its wrecks in the shape of break-downs 
and disease. 

Highly nutritious foods that individuals indulge in and are 
continually partaking of, and the retention of the detritus or 
useless products or materials are a severe tax to the resisting 
powers of the economy of the body, and to these habits and 
to deficient muscular exercise can trulv be attributed the 
break-downs so common among individuals of sedentary 
habits, and brain workers. 

Remedies for the cure of disease are used with nothing 
more to recommend them than that the patients have returned 
to health after they have been administered, and to the rem- 
edy or remedies administered is attributed the cure, or restor- 
ation to health. But whether in reality, it had any such 
effect, is not positively known. It is a much regretted fact 
that therapy is almost chaotic, and while there is change in 



118 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the forms for administration, there is comparatively little ad- 
vance beyond where the "old women," at their hearth-side 
left it when sweeping the soot from the chimney making tea 
for baby's colic, and applying the plaster of soap to burns. 

Science in medicine is still making about the same progress 
that a Prof. Hammond and others, of the city of New York, 
are said to have made a few years ago when they were en- 
deavoring to throw some light on hydrophobia — to discover a 
remedy and prevention of the disease. They advised that the 
dog's teeth be filed off so as to prevent laceration of the flesh. 

Another equally great advance made by science was the 
discovery of the microbe in dead matter, and the microbe tune 
-was played on every fiddle in medicine's vanity fair. But see- 
ing the human family tiring of such incongruous harmony, 
another great stride in advance was taken — and now as a 
result, for every "belly-ache," over-loaded colon, over-eating, 
dissipation and what-not, the appendix vermiformis must be 
obliterated — cut away, and so, surgery is admitted in full fel- 
lowship in the advanced science-circle, and its works of muti- 
lation are its monuments. 

The mutilating of the human body for the removal of ail- 
ments of every trivial kind, is the grossest ignorance yet dis- 
played under the cover of science. Instead of it displaying skill, 
or in anyway showing a knowledge or understanding of the 
economy of the human body and the proper removal of disease 
— by the renewal of life — it proves conclusively the reverse. While 
it must be conceded that there is a proper place for surgery, 
the morbid aspirancy is certainly working great evil. 

It is a fact of history of the medical practice that attempts 
most heinous have been made to repress every real discovery 
or advance, or knowledge for the betterment, and for the gen- 
eral good, while savage atrocities have been protected even by 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 119 

legislation. Only when the great books are opened will it be 
known how many thousands have been and are being sent to 
the "happy hunting grounds" by vaccination, the old blood- 
letting butcher, mercurial salivation, morphine, arsenic, Koch's 
lymph, the anti-bacilluses, and like voodooisms of the past 
and marking the retrograde tendency of the practice of med- 
icine of the present age, bringing the practice of medicine into 
disrepute; besides the thousands annually sent to inhabit 
insane asylums and various other institutions of dependencies. 

The institutions for dependents and unfortunates has be- 
come a commercial factor and political hack, instead of being 
in reality beneficial to the unfortunates. Whatever else is class 
legislated into corporations, and syndicated, the cure of disease 
and the care of the sick cannot possibly, with safety to the 
interest of the sick and afflicted, be shackled with such harness. 
It opens the field for speculation on the health of the people, 
for incompetency, bribery, and all associated rot. A member of 
a board of health whose body is so foully filthy that it can be 
smelled ten feet from him, and who will sit in an assemblage 
and chew tobacco and spit in the passage way or aisle, a pool 
of filth almost sufficient for a hog to wallow in, is certainly 
well qualified to guide the public in health and protect the 
people from charlatanism! I do not condemn, wholly, boards 
of health, from having seen a few monstrosities in the ranks ; 
there are some quite eminent and worthy members, w^ho are 
well qualified to direct sanitation of the public. There is a 
proper sphere of usefulness for boards of health, but it does not 
consist in saying what school shall practice medicine; and 
when this power is relegated to health boards such action not 
only opens the way for bribery and black-mail, but it fosters 
and protects it. The good health of the people is the security 
of the home, Christianity, commerce and the nation. 



120 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Colleges cannot make doctors, they may grind them out, 
but doctors are not made, they are born doctors. The small 
amount of practical knowledge obtained in medical colleges, is 
but a small accessory, and if there is no natural endowment, 
accessories even, are valueless. 

In the practice of medicine, as in all positions in life, it is 
the quiet worker, the family physician — the country doctor, un- 
derling, if you so please to call him, who is the back-bone and 
sinews and the very being of successful cures and discoveries, 
and, he is careful and conscientious. 

This class of physicians makes the medical journals, by con- 
tributing their knowledge, also furnishing the material for the 
medical books. The professors of colleges put forth theories, 
the quiet working physician dissects these theories and finds 
their good or lacking — usually a goodly portion of the lacking. 
In selecting a physician, to regard these physicians as small 
and incompetent is the gravest mistake. Many people think 
that because a physician is practicing in the suburbs of a city, 
in the country or village town, not flaunting his or her name to 
the public breeze as some specialist, or as professor in some 
mushroom medical college, or as physician to some charitable 
institution (that is more charitable to those conducting it than 
to its unfortunate inmates), or such public charity office as 
county physician or city physician, that he is destitute of skill, 
when if they will take the trouble to investigate the real facts 
they will be surprised to find the true situation vastly dif- 
ferent from what they had supposed. 

There is today more quackery and charlatanism than the 
world ever knew. It is graduated from medical colleges, and 
protected by legislation, and as a result insanity, and muti- 
lated and maimed bodies are proportionately on the increase. 

A proprietary medicine placed upon the market that the 



FACTS AND FALLACIES. 121 

general people may obtain it, lives on its real merit undisguised, 
or if worthless it must die from the market. Many of these 
compounds have a record for curing, from a quarter of a cen- 
tury to half a century. There are many of them of excellent 
merit, and their manufacturers are commendable in that they 
place these remedies in reach of suffering humanity and at 
prices the poor, who constitute by far the very largest number 
of sufferers, can reach, for by so doing they do a greater chari- 
table work than those wholly engaged in charities. 

Millions have been offered and spent for the cure of disease, 
but comparatively nothing is done for the prevention of dis- 
ease. If 996 per cent, of the money expended in hospitals, 
medical colleges, and other so-called charitable institutions, 
were placed in direct accessibility of the poor, suffering and 
needy, for supplying the real comforts of life and home, there 
would be 996 per cent, less crime and 996 per cent, less disease. 

These are problems that must engage the people's attention 
at no late date — the situation is already alarming. Penitentia- 
ries, court houses, places for corraling dependents, as insane 
asylums, schools of correction, homes for blind, deaf, deformed; 
places where children are cooped in — called children's homes- 
many of these institutions are really gray-back and crab-lice 
farms, whose promulgators worm and work into every ave- 
nue begging money under cover of these guises, presumably for 
the dependent and needy — hanging onto the aged and incredu- 
lous, wresting the money from estates, thus leaving relatives 
to whom these estates should go, to starve or go to criminal- 
ity, — the private home and individual comfort lost sight of. 
These begged moneys, in addition to coming from the above 
source, are begged from clerks, the poor laboring class, the 
washer-woman, the news boy, the boot-black, and others as 
little able to part with their pittance. 



122 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Any state, county, city, village or town, that cannot raise 
sufficient money by honest taxation to decently take care of 
its unfortunates, without begging from every private avenue, 
should have a guardian appointed. 

It is but rare that more than one member of a family has 
the ability to accumulate more than the merest necessities ol 
life. The larger number are not able to provide sufficient to 
prevent hunger and suffering from cold. It is quite the right 
disposal, that the surplus acquired by the one of superior 
ability be divided among those of his natural kin who are not 
sufficiently supplied with means for proper comfort and edu- 
cation. 



PART SECOND. 



THIS PART WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE TREATMENT OF 

GENERAL DISEASES. 



OBSERVATIONS. 

Sickness, disease, death, will continue so long as we are 
material beings — so long as matter possesses the property of 
wear-out, of change, of decomposition, of continuing in one 
state for a time, when, having served its purpose in that state, 
it reverts back, "the dust to dust"; and that will be so long 
as human bodies are composed of matter. 

Every new being coming into life starts out with vitality 
sufficient to live a certain length of time, and will live that 
length of time provided sufficient interferences are not met to 
prevent it. The interferences we may term causes which pro- 
duce disease and injuries. Like mending a coat, repairs and 
repairs may be made, but eventually it reaches its limitation 
of endurance, when no more repairing can be effected. 

Much can be done to prevent demand for too frequent re- 
pairs, and much suffering be prevented by a proper attention 
to diet, habits, sleep, occupation, amusement, and exercise of a 
reasonable amount of common sense. 

The first essential to continue life long and useful is to be- 
gin early to live under the benign influences of christian relig- 
ion, for it alone "has the promise of life that now is and of 



124 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

that better life which is to come." If this is done no vile hab- 
its are contracted which are so destructive to health, life and 
happiness. 

Spend your evenings at home, go to bed early, arise as 
soon as you awake, and occupy the day with something that 
gives wholesome results. Cultivate an even temper; individu- 
als have dropped dead in a fit of temper. An ill-controlled tem- 
per, besides the sufferings it inflicts upon others, is conducive 
to many ills to its possessor. 

For prophylaxis and cure of disease, an absolute necessity 
is a wholesome mental state. Comparatively few people phil- 
osophically adapt themselves to circumstances, or existing 
conditions and improve their opportunity as best they can; 
those who do not, are unhappy, discontented, wretched, de- 
pressed, and form a class very difficult to restore to health 
when sick, their mental state having a depressed influence that 
neither drugs, food, nor good nursing can ever over-come. 

Those individuals confined by disagreeable environments, 
are continually chafing under such harness, and break-downs 
eventuate, for which the removal of the unpleasantness is the 
only treatment needed. 

Some people who read the description of a disease will 
immediately develop an attack of it — in their mind ; or if they 
cannot possibly do that — they know Sam Smith's wife is dy- 
ing of it, or that Peggy Jones's grand-mother's aunt, died of 
a fit just like it. If one case of sickness appears in a commun- 
ity, in about two hours, a dozen more— just like it, or a little 
worse — (all imaginary) will bob-up. 

The causes of disease are many and various, some of which 
every individual can avoid, some are inherited, while a few 
arise from environments unavoidable. It is appointed unto all 
to die once, yet by proper care of the body, life may be pro- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 125 

longed many more years than if neglected, or improperly used. 
Each being called into life is possessed of vitality sufficient to 
endure for a length of time, greater in some than in others, 
but all alike being made of perishable material. Each being 
must, at some time exhaust its power of life — its power of force 
to live. But this may be greatly hastened or even life de- 
stroyed, as in wars and various accidents, and abuses and mis- 
uses. 

The physical vigor of the body may become impaired, but 
it may be renewed for a time, but why it cannot be continued 
indefinitely can only be accounted for by the fact that matter 
is perishable, and that development, maturity, and decline and 
death, seem to be the plan of animal as well as vegetable life. 
Change and decay are stamped upon every species of matter, and 
nowhere in all created things are they stamped more plainly 
than upon animal life. 

Vital action is an effort of that unknown agency by which 
life is sustained, and from which result mind, sensation, and 
voluntary and involuntary motion and reproduction. An equi- 
librium of the several actions in the body constitutes health, 
and a derangement of this equilibrium, or a departure from it, 
disease or death. 

Disease is not a "healthv effort" of nature to rid itself of 
morbidity as some claim it to be, neither is it any ''special dis- 
pensation of providence," nor is it a "Divine messenger" to turn 
people God-ward from wicked living. No abnormal action tak- 
ing place in the system can be a "healthy effort." 

The miller and various manufacturers "shut down" their 
shops and examine and repair; the merchant looks over his 
"stock" to insure its commercial health, yet people seldom think 
that the machinery of their own body needs looking after to 
prevent break-downs, or, the accumulation of bad stock on 
hand, which must result in disaster. 



126 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. 

In giving medicines directed in this book, when more than 
one medicine is being given, should the time for giving two of 
the remedies come at the same hour, or as we sometimes call 
it — "the time comes together," or within a few minutes of each 
other, postpone the time of the one that was last given, for 
twenty or thirty minutes, and then give it and consider the 
interval from that time. 

The doses for adults named in this work, are for all over 
twelve years old. For all under this age, the dose named in 
this work must be lessened — (where the size dose is not 
named) proportionately to age — but the time between doses 
must remain the same as directed. 

It is decidedly for the best interests and welfare of patients 
to prohibit foods for the first twenty-four, thirty-six, or forty- 
eight hours after beginning to take medicines for the cure of 
disease, not more than plain tea and plain brown toast being 
permissible; at least this is the best method to pursue in cases 
that must take a remedy to produce biliary alvine actions. 
This gives opportunity for sensible action of the medicine, is 
the only intelligent way to pursue if expecting good results, 
and in addition, it requires much less medicines, and very 
greatly favors a speedy recovery. 

Immediately preceding and for a short time following the 
sensible effect of medicines that produce biliary alvine actions, 
which remove morbid matters from the general econonry of 
the body, the patient experiences a slight sense of uneasiness, 
and perhaps slight nausea. This subsides as soon as sensible 
alvine action has obtained; a sense of relief from pain is ex- 
perienced and a general betterment. The patient should be 
kept restfully quiet while under these circumstances, and a cup 
of tea may be given, which to have the desired benefit, must 
be supped as hot as can be, not to burn. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 127 

When in the directing of the mixing of medicines, the 
writer directs "half a glass," or "a glass of water," the ordi- 
nary glass tumbler, such as is used on the dining table, is 
meant. 

In all places in this book where the medicine, Cascara, is 
named either to be given alone or that used in any of the 
mixtures, the Fluid Extract of Aromatic Cascara, is meant to 
be used. 

THE LIVER.— OBSERVATIONS. 

However much ridicule may be poked at the theory of "jog- 
ging the liver" for the cure of the many ailments affecting the 
human body, the fact remains no less true that at least 
ninety to ninety -five or ninety-seven per cent, of the cases of all 
types of ailments of the human body must be both primarily 
and chiefly treated on this basis; and they who trust to other 
than this in nine cases out of ten will be miserably disappointed 
in obtaining a cure. The writer believes that there are not 
many ailments affecting the human body, except mechanical 
injuries, which are not attended by some degree of exalted, di- 
minished or perverted activity of the liver. Just to what ex- 
tent these lesions or disturbances exist is not always discerned, 
is sometimes quite obscure ; but when we have given remedies 
directed to action on other organs or structures till hope has 
faded both with ourselves and patient, and think to turn our 
attention to this old Roman soldier, we find ourselves and pa- 
tient agreeably surprised with a cure. 

How long this old Roman has been failing in his official 
duties, permitting the economy to be so disturbed, we are at a 
loss to know, but we frequently get cases of sickness in our 
care when his neglect of duty has run the entire constitution 
into a condition of atony. And in those cases we meet in 
which the system appears to be just succeeding in rallying its 



128 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

recuperative energies, if by giving some simple sedative, we 
aid the forces to hold their grasp, as it were, till a full re- 
covery is obtained; or, if, perhaps, we give a tonic, which 
affords some aid, and bridges over a crisis, we can scarcely im- 
agine that the liver has not been playing some important re- 
cuperative part in the struggle. 

The liver is the last glandular organ which stands between 
the food taken into the stomach and its entrance into the gen- 
eral circulation ; hence it is consistent to infer that it regulates, 
influences, controls, the substances entering the general circu- 
lation. And not only this, but without doubt it largely con- 
trols the functions of digestion, secretion, and execretion. 
There is no other gland, or organ in the economy of the body 
so directly connected with these functions — the functions of 
digestion, secretion, and execretion as the liver. 

We observe that the veins coming from the stomach, the 
spleen, the pancreas, and the intestines, unite, forming a large 
trunk, and entering the liver, ramify it; in this organ again 
unite into a large trunk and enter the ascending vein, or cava, 
near the heart. 

The liver is the most important organ in the economy of 
the body; it is in reality the laboratory of the body, as within 
its substance the digested products of the stomach and intes- 
tines are transformed into a substance capable of being perfectly 
assimilated by the different tissues of the organism or body. 
It regulates the supply of nourishment — is the store-house, 
doubtless of the body, reserving any excess till a time of need. 
Without its functions being continually, promptly and efficiently 
performed, starvation must result, no matter what foods or 
what quantity is eaten. When the bile which is the natural 
stimulant of the intestines, is not poured out in sufficient quan- 
tities, various unpleasant effects follow. Constipation, defect- 
ive nutrition, etc., result from interference with hepatic activity. 



GENERAL DISEASES. _ 129 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 

There is hardly an organ, we may quite safely say there is 
no organ in the entire structure of the human body, the dis- 
turbance of which causes so much distress, either directly or re- 
flexedly, as the liver. The liver being hid away from view, 
knowledge of its diseased condition, cannot be had by inspec- 
tion, hence sensations experienced by the sufferer must furnish 
the means for detecting the diseased condition. 

Inflammation to a greater or less degree, is the morbid 
condition most frequently met. In the early manifestation the 
inflammation is usually confined to the peritoneal covering, 
when of long duration the entire substance of the liver may be- 
come involved ; ulcers may form, which we have considered may 
be known by pain subsiding following long continued pain, and 
no improvement in health manifests but rather a continued de- 
generacy. And, this symptom is sometimes misleading, as ab- 
cess or ulceration of the liver, at least in some cases, occasions 
no pain whatever, and these affections dispose to heal without 
much interference in the way of medicines, at least where there 
is not too great involvement. When inflammation is confined 
to the peritoneal covering, the pain is sharp, and piercing; 
when embodying the substance of the liver the pain is dull, ex- 
tends to the breast, collar-bone, and shoulders, or between the 
shoulders, frequently interfering with inspiration, and a cough 
frequently manifests, sometimes proving most distressing. 

SLUGGISH CONDITION OF THE LIVER. 

In the sluggish activity of the liver the skin becomes 
stained dirty-yellow, if of long continuance the kidneys be- 
come much deranged, in which case the skin takes on a dirty- 
yellowish-ashen hue ; the skin becomes harsh, dry, and hot, and 
in some cases eruptions appear on the surface of the body — in 
pimples, sores, erysipelas, or "splotches," small pox, boils or 



130 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

carbuncles; the breath becomes fetid, also the urine; the 
patient becomes despondent, irritable, cross, frequently abusive, 
and excretions are imperfectly performed. Suicides and mur- 
ders are committed while laboring under some disturbance of 
this organ — the liver, and from long pent-in excretions. Also 
many of the worst cases of aberration of the mind — insanities 
are results of the above conditions. 

ULCERATIONS OF THE LIVER. 

While the disposition to tumor formations and ulcer form- 
ations are indicative of exceedingly low or feeble condition of 
the general constitution, yet the real pain they cause is very 
small in proportion to the seriousness of the affection, or the 
true condition of the body. A nervousness, restlessness, dull- 
ness of feeling permeates the body, and frequently a feeling in 
the legs, below the knees especially, as if the limbs were "dead 
asleep," and frequently the patient cannot sit still but a few 
moments till overcome with sleep. In some cases the patient 
feels compelled to very frequently change the position of the 
lower limbs. 

LONG CONTINUED MORBID CONDITION OF THE LIVER. 

Long continued morbid condition of the liver results in 
great emaciation, and when accompanied with cough, which 
is frequently the case, it is mistaken for so-called pulmonary 
consumption. 

Dropsy also, frequently manifests, especially if prolonged 
till a great degree of anaemia is manifest. When the inflamma- 
tion extends to the stomach, it is usually indicated by burning 
in the stomach, or is quite frequently so indicated. 

Opiates should never be given in treating diseases of this 
organ, nor any other condition of the body, really. 

When the symptoms named in describing inflammation of 



GENERAL DISEASES. 131 

the liver manifest, any of them, associated or unassociated 
with cough, the following will give the desired relief: Take 
polymnia uvedalia, one drachm; glycerine and water, of each, 
four ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
three hours during the day, for the first two days, then take a 
dose three times a day. Also, take a capsule or powder (see 
remedies in this book) every night just at bed time, for three 
nights, then one every third or fourth night. Soak the feet 
well in hot water for twenty or thirty minutes each night. 
Add mustard to the water used for bathing the feet. At 
half-past six o'clock in the morning, not later than seven, give 
the patient to drink, a teacupful of water as hot as possibly 
can be supped, and, following this, have the patient eat the 
juice of an orange. 

In the manifestations of sluggish conditions of the liver, if 
the condition has not assumed the degree of severity that erup- 
tions have manifested, and onlv a modified discoloration of the 
skin is present, three drops of chionanthus given in a teaspoon- 
ful of water three times a day, for eight or ten days, will usu- 
allv right the conditions. 

If eruptions have appeared on the surface of the body, 
erysipelas, pimples, rash, sores or boils, the capsules (see rem- 
edies in this book) taken as above directed, will disperse the 
morbid condition. Or, the following may be taken: Take sul- 
phur and cream of tartar, of each, a heaped tablespoonful ; 
ginger and sugar, of each a half teaspoonful; and podophyllin, 
one grain. Thoroughly mix and divide into thirty powders. 
Give a powder mixed in water, or taken dry if preferred, 
every four hours till biliary alvine action is seen, then give 
one every third or fourth night. 

In conditions where there are simply dull, heavy aching 
or deep seated pains over the body, in addition to giving the 



132 THE MEDICAL ADVISEE. 

above powders or capsules, add five drops of fluid extract of 
bryonia, to four ounces of water, and give the patient a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture every three hours during the day. 

When ulceration of the liver is supposed to exist, give the 
following: Take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm; glycerine, 
four ounces; olive oil, two ounces; and water, two ounces. 
Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours 
for the first day, then give a dose three times a day. And, 
add fluid extract of bryonia, ten drops, to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful three times a day, giving this 
mid-way between the above doses. 

In those long existing morbid conditions ol the liver, the 
preparation containing cascara and podophyllin first named 
in the treatment of uraemia, may be given sufficiently often 
to promote from two to three alvine dejections daily, instead 
of the capsules or powders above dictated. Add mustard to 
the water used for sponge-bathing the body, which should be 
done every second day. The hot water and juice of an orange 
should be taken before breakfast, and the foods should be 
wholesome and nutritious. 

A capsule (see remedies in this book) taken every third or 
fourth night, and the following taken, a teaspoonful, three 
times a day : Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces ; 
tincture of gentian, fifteen drops; tincture of golden seal, half 
an ounce; tincture of prickly ask berries, one ounce; and gly- 
cerine, and simple syrup, of each, three ounces. Mix, and take 
as above. This improves digestion, promotes normal action 
of the liver, and gives tone to the general system, thus serving 
a kindly restorative purpose in many conditions of morbid- 
ity, and in conditions where rapid action is not required, (or 
does not give best results, which is frequently the case) is a 
desirable remedy. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 133 

The following is effective where a more speedy action is 
desired, jet moderately mild: Take fluid extract of wahoo, 
butternut bark, and cascara, of each, one fourth of an ounce ; 
fluid extract or berberis aquafolium, two drachms; tincture of 
prickly ash bark, half an ounce; and simple syrup, six ounces. 
Mix, and take a teaspoonful at bed time. 

DISTURBANCES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 

Gastric disturbance, in one form or another, is of frequent 
occurrence. Gastric disturbance may be due to continual over- 
eating, to deficient excretion, or, to having taken some corro- 
sive substance. The bowels in conditions of gastric disturbance 
are generally constipated. If this condition is present, vomit- 
ing may occur, or diarrhea may alternate constipation, either 
in children or adult. 

This disturbance may progress to a degree of seriousness 
that the stomach refuses to tolerate food, hence nutrition is 
prohibited. The inflammation may extend to the bowels, man- 
ifesting in different degrees of severity, may involve the mucous 
surfaces only, or becoming more extensive and assume the fol- 
licular form, and gastric ulcer may manifest. 

Usually the following serves to disperse the disturbance: 
Take glycerine and olive oil, of each, two ounces; hydrastis, 
and podophyllum P., of each, one drachm; and cinchona cal., 
one drachm. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture three 
times a day for five or six days, then twice a day. Also the 
capsules taken one at bed time, or a powder without putting 
in capsule, (named in remedies) will effect the cure. 

DISEASES, OR DISTURBANCES OF THE ALIMENTARY 

CANAL. 

The lower portion of the alimentary canal may and does 
become the localization of disease, but in all manifestations of dis- 



134 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ease that present in these parts there is always constitutional 
derangement as a foundation source, and to obtain permanent 
relief or cure, in connection with local treatment, constitutional 
treatment must be administered, also, together with proper 
feeding. When pain, hemorrhage, or bleedings, protrusions, 
piles, discharges, and distressed feelings in the anus and rectal 
parts appear, they are local manifestations of constitutional 
disturbance. Constitutional treatment in these cases is of prime 
importance. 

Affections of the rectum may be mistaken for affections of 
the bladder or reproductive organs. A complete evacuation of 
the rectal canal must first be obtained, when the true situation 
can be clearly known. Drinking of considerable hot water, and 
frequently repeated injections of hot water per rectum, will 
sometimes effect this. To a pint of the hot water used for the 
purpose of injection, add half an ounce of glycerine. Or, instead 
of drinking the hot water, take a dose of the anti-bilious physic. 
The action of this remedy, is efficient, and consumes but a short 
time, and in many cases recovery follows without other 
medicine. 

Mucous discharges, and bleedings are almost always ac- 
companiments of diarrhea, or follow it — or from a catarrhal 
condition of the bowels, which may have been caused by im- 
proper foodation, or long continued exposure to extreme cold, 
constipation or irritations from indigestion. 

The hot water sitz-bath and the foot bath, are of restor- 
ative benefit in these cases, giving tone to these parts, espec- 
ially if the bath is permitted to extend well over the bowels. 
And a hot water injection per rectum is of great benefit. To 
a pint or the water used for this injection, add one drachm 
of witch hazel. (This amount for an adult.) This may be 
advantageously repeated every day for three or four days, 



GENERAL DISEASES. 135 

then once a week until no longer needed. Take equal parts 
of glycerine and olive oil. Mix, and give, to an adult, a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture, three times a day, and keep the 
patient quiet. If there has been blood mixed with discharges, 
add ten drops of spirits of turpentine to the doses (for an 
adult), or fifteen drops of essence of cinnamon, preferably. 
From one to three doses will stop the hemorrhage usually. 

The preparation containing cascara and podophyllin, di- 
rected in the treatment of uraemia in this book, taken as 
there directed, serves kindly in many of these cases. 

Piles of all varieties and degrees result from one of the 
following causes: long continued constipation of the bowels, 
and straining at stool, an extremely relaxed condition of the 
system due to great debility, and long standing on the feet, 
or extremely heavy lifting. Prolapsus or falling of the ani, 
results from similar causes. Excessive purgation may cause it 
by relaxing the system unduly, but the most frequent causes 
are the above. 

When the condition is due to excessive purgation, heavy 
lifting, or long standing on the feet, rest in the recumbent 
position and hot fomentations applied to the parts, will bring 
restoration. A hot water injection, to which a drachm of 
witch hazel, has been added to a pint of the water used, 
hastens the cure. 

When the condition is consequent from disposition to con- 
stipation, the following gives the desired benefit : Take sulphur, 
and cream of tartar, of each, two heaped tablespoonfuls ; gin- 
ger, one teaspoonful. Mix, and take one teaspoonful twice a 
day. A little sugar may be added to the powder to make it 
palatable if desired. A heaped tablespoonful taken by an adult, 
every morning for four or five mornings, then once a week, 
usually effects the cure. 



136 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Hemorrhoides, piles, may be external or internal, but the 
treatment varies but little in either, so little that it is difficult 
to make much distinction. 

The veins, from irritation, straining, or from long standing 
on the feet, or severe strain in heavy lifting, become dilated or 
distended. This type will rupture in some cases, causing what 
is termed bleeding piles. Ulceration may, and does, sometimes 
follow the rupturing. Another form involves an extensive and 
deeper inflammation of the mucous surfaces, the natural folds 
of which become swelled, inflamed and elongated from infiltra- 
tion of serous fluid, which, if not relieved, may result in sup- 
puration. 

If hemorrhage is present, incorporate half a teaspoonful of 
spirits of turpentine in half an ounce of vaseline and add it to 
a pint of hot water, or a teaspoonful of tincture of benzoin 
may be added to the water, and use it as injection per rectum, 
and repeat this injection every day till the condition no longer 
requires it. And take the sulphur preparation named in this 
article. Keep the external parts clean by cleansing with hot 
water and castile soap sufficiently often. 

When excoriations, small pimples, or open-faced ulcers man- 
ifest about the edges of these parts, it may result from irrita- 
tion associated with the piles, or be occasioned from unhealthy 
stools passing over these parts, or from uncle anliness. Wash 
the parts with hot water and castile soap and rinse with warm 
water to which has been added twenty drops of tincture of 
benzoin to half pint of water used. Mix four grains of resin 
benzoin well with one ounce of pure vaseline, and apply a por- 
tion well to the parts if much severity exhibits. 

After immediate relief is obtained the cascara preparation 
referred to in this article should be taken till the system is re- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 137 

stored to normal condition and a habit of daily alvine excre- 
tion is established. 

The water used for injections and sitz-baths must be as hot 
as can be borne to obtain the best results. And the bowels 
must be kept in an active condition, the remedies named serv- 
ing best for this purpose. Also, the patient must keep the re- 
clining position and not use the arms in holding heavy books 
for reading, nor to perform heavy work till improvement is 
well established. The excretory outlets should really be cleansed 
daily throughout life with water and castile soap. If there is 
syphilitic taint associated with these troubles the remedies will 
have to be used more vigorously and the treatment be contin- 
ued for a longer time, but no change in medicine is necessary. 

ENLARGEMENT OF THE SPLEEN.-AGUE CAKE. 

Comparatively nothing is known of the use of the spleen in 
the human bodily economy. It becomes the seat of inflamma- 
tion and tumors ; it enlarges, and causes much distress. In all 
types of disease manifesting symptoms of periodicity, the spleen 
is affected, in fact the writer is convinced that in conditions of 
all fevers, especially typhoid, and, in all conditions where there 
is glandular inflammation, especially when of much degree of 
severity, as in the disease called diphtheria, the spleen is largely 
in trouble — is in severe morbid condition. 

As the spleen enlarges, it causes a heavy fullness in the left 
side; the enlargement progressing, it extends from beneath the 
ribs, and can sometimes be traced extending down the side in- 
to or near the pelvic cavity, or extending to near half across 
the abdomen, and also well back toward the spine. From its 
disposition to extend down the side toward the pelvic cavity, 
mistakes are frequently made attributing the disturbance caused 
by the morbid spleen, to supposed diseased condition of the 



138 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

kidneys or ovaries, when in fact, the last named organs are 
quite well. 

When the spleen is enlarged it inconveniences the bending 
of the body forward, and a sensation is frequently felt as if a 
"cake" or "lump" slipped or suddenly moved in the left side 
about the waist line, when the body is inclined forward, or 
w T hen erecting the body. 

In the early onset of the inflammation the pain is usually 
sharp and lacerating, the inflammation then probably being 
confined to the peritoneal covering. When the disease is of long 
duration, there is heavy, dull aching, the inflammation becom- 
ing of greater severity, and involving the body of the organ or 
spleen. 

Despondency and a feeling of inability to engage in or con- 
tinue manual or mental labor, accompanies the disease from 
the first manifestation. The disturbance progresses slowly and 
may extend to a degree of great severity, sometimes continuing 
from five to fifteen years before ending fatally, tumors or dropsy, 
generally both, appearing before death. 

When tumors manifest, recovery is very rare, as this con- 
dition does not appear until the forces of the economy are 
about exhausted. In conditions of tumor, grave mistakes have 
been made in diagnosing the condition, by both physicians and 
lay people. In cases of females the enlargement causes sus- 
picions of pregnancy, in some cases, especially if unmarried, 
women of perfect chastity have been thus forced to suffer 
unmerited censure and untold tortures. 

The only case I ever knew of being cured after tumors had 
manifested, my husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb, treated to recovery. 
I visited the case with him a number of times. The patient 
was extremely emaciated, thus leaving the tumor enlargement 



GENERAL DISEASES. 139 

prominently visible, distending the abdominal wall, the en- 
largement being near the size of an infant's head. 

The treatment should be begun on the first manifestation 
of the disease. Recovery under the best of treatment, is some- 
what slow, especially if much severity has obtained, though 
the most reliable treatment is mild, comparatively. 

I have found the following remedies to best meet the re- 
quirements : Take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm ; glycerine 
and water, of each, four ounces. Mix, and to an adult, give 
a teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day. And, the 
capsules (see remedies in this book) taken sufficiently frequent 
to continue from two to three alvine dejections daily. The 
following liniment rubbed over the region of the spleen, once 
or twice a day, serves to aid in removing the morbid con- 
dition: Take spirits of camphor, spirits of turpentine, glycer- 
ine, aqua ammonia, and tincture of bear's foot, of each, two 
ounces, and essence of peppermint, 4 ounces. Mix, and apply 
as above. Except in very severe cases, once a day or once 
every other day is sufficiently often to apply it. 

After the greatest severity of the inflammation has sub- 
sided, the following tonic given three times a day, aids in re- 
storing to health : Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two 
ounces; tincture of gentian, half a drachm; tincture of golden 
seal, half an ounce ; tincture of prickly ash bark, one ounce ; 
and glycerine and simple syrup, of each, three ounces. Mix, 
and give a teaspoonful, as often as above directed. 

HYSTERIA. 

This type of ailment is due to an ill-nourished condition of 
the patient, indigestion and sluggish excretions. The mental 
disturbances which manifest arise from the same causes that 
mental disturbances do in typhoid and other fevers, namely, 



140 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

blood poison from retained excretions, and undue degeneracy 
augmented by the ill-nourished condition of the general health, 
and the unpleasant surroundings and treatment these patients 
are subjected to. Great aggravations and being worried and 
disappointed in bussiness, excessive hard work, excessive sexual 
excitements and loss of sleep and rest are usually the starting 
and promoting causes of this affection. 

It manifests as frequently among males as females, and the 
subjects are found among adults. I have never met a case 
among children. 

The manifestation of disease called hysteria is as marked a 
disease of the physical body as any manifestation of disease 
that afflicts the human familv. 

The effusions of gross ignorance given out, and the theories 
advocated by some, regarding this type of disease are disgust- 
ingly repulsive. Under the grossly erroneous idea of the nature 
and cause of this disease, torturing bodily punishments have 
been imposed upon patients, and the happiness of families has 
been destroyed and lives wrecked by the carrying out of these 
erroneous theories. 

The patient must be placed with pleasant surroundings, 
relieved of worriment, and permitted rest, and palatable and 
nutritious food. This constitutes three-fourths of the necessi- 
ties to effect a cure. The prolonged deficiency of these has been 
a very great cause of the break-down. 

In addition to the above treatment, in case of an immedi- 
ate paroxysm, add fLYe drops of tincture of nux vomica to four 
ounces of water and give a teaspoonful of this mixture every 
ten to fifteen minutes for from two to four hours ; this usually 
gives quick relief from the immediate suffering. In the severe 
attacks, as soon as the patient can be induced to do the bid- 
ding of the attendant, give a full dose of the anti-bilious physic. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 141 

This speedily eliminates from the blood the detritus and excretes 
it from the body, thus placing the blood in condition to circu- 
late and relieves the condition of depression and constriction. 
In attacks of even mild degree, this anti-bilious physic is a first 
best and effectual remedy to give. 

After giving the above dose of anti-bilious physic, permit 
the patient to rest till the activity of the medicine has subsided, 
then sponge-bathe the body, using water hot as can be borne, 
dry the surface of the body, and place the patient in comfort- 
able position to rest. The food for the first thirty-six or forty- 
eight hours should consist of hot water, orange juice, and plain 
brown toast and plain tea. All opiates, narcotics and stimu- 
lants must be prohibited, leaving the mind free. These articles 
depress the vital energies, check secretions and excretions, do 
not lessen suffering or remove the disease, but they do augment 
the severity, and endanger life. 

In forty-eight hours after giving the anti-bilious physic, 
which is the best remedy to begin treatment with in all cases, 
after the immediate first paroxysm has subsided, give a dose 
of the preparation containing cascara and podophyllin directed 
in the treatment of uraemia in this book, and continue giving 
it sufficiently frequent to keep the alvine dejections free, and 
supply plentv of pleasing and wholesome food, and permit rest. 
Usually a dose of this preparation taken just before going to 
bed at night, gives the desired daily alvine dejectioms, and 
some-times after one, two, three or five nights it may be omitted. 

NERVE AFFECTIONS, OR DISEASES. 

Nerve affections, nervousness, disturbances of the nerves, 
have been understood by many to imply some peculiar or 
specific disease or morbid condition in the structure of the 
nerve tissue's self alone, and that they require some nrysterious 



142 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

treatment entirely different from the general ailments of the 
body. But such is not the case. 

The causes leading to undue nervousness, while being 
various, are very like the causes producing other morbid con- 
ditions, which, when removed, the nerves restore to normal. 
Over-taxation of either body or mind will produce nervousness 
— an inability to control the nerves. Also, vexations, worry- 
ment, harassings, grief, disappointments, poorly nourished 
body, deficient excretions both urinary and alvine, and defi- 
cient muscular exercise to aid the system to rid itself of its 
detritus, are producing causes. 

Place the patient comfortably with pleasant surroundings, 
permit an abundance of sleep and rest, and provide 
pleasant and nutritious food. If the over-taxation 
has been chiefly mental work, muscular exercise must be 
engaged in to some extent, in the out door air. Sponge-bathe 
the body daily. If the bowels have been constipated, or if 
there is irritation about the urinary organs, a hot water sitz- 
bath does a marvel of good. To promote the elimination of 
morbid matters from the circulation and their excretion from 
the body, and to favor digestion and assimilation, give the 
following: Take simple syrup, glycerine, and olive oil, of each, 
three ounces; tincture of buchu, one ounce; tincture of golden- 
seal, one drachm ; tincture of ginger, a drachm, and podophyl- 
lin, one-half of a grain. Mix, and shake the bottle well each 
time before taking a dose. In mild cases, a tablespoonful taken 
every night just before going to bed, for three or four nights, 
then tw T ice a week, will effect a cure. In severer cases, a tea- 
spoonful given every three hours, till three or four doses have 
been taken, or until free biliary alvine dejections are seen, 
then one dose a week at night just before retiring, will suffice. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 143 

Or, the capsules taken as directed, will give the desired result. 
(See remedies in this book.) 

CONSTIPATION OF THE BOWELS, CONVULSIONS, 
AND OTHER CONSEQUENTS. 

By the most searching observations, it is quite difficult to 
estimate the amount of injury and suffering entailed on human 
kind from constipation of the bowels — retained feces 

A large per cent, of insanity is due to this condition ; also 
a large number of the suicides, murders, family quarrels and 
disruptions of families, and financial and intellectual failures. 
A very large per cent of convulsions, puerperal and otherwise, 
convulsions in any and all ages, are very many times due to 
this condition; rheumatism, confusion of ideas, blood-poison, 
fevers of various types, eruptions over the body, the sore throat 
called diphtheria, enlarged tonsils, carbuncles, boils, small pox, 
sore eyes, suppurative or granulated, asthma, catarrh, nervous- 
ness and tremblings, in fact a much larger list of ailments than 
this are consequent upon a constipated condition of the bowels. 

Dr. J. F. Baldwin reported a case which came under his 
care, a lady sixty -four years of age who had recurring attacks 
of convulsions which were due to a constipated condition of 
the bowels. There had been no history of constipation but ex- 
amination revealed a mass of feces as large as a child's head 
in the rectum. 

I have met a number of cases of convulsions in children due 
to the above cause. The worst case of puerperal convulsions 
it has been my lot to see, was due to fecal impaction of the 
colon. I was called to treat a lady, aged seventy-six, who lay 
in a condition of coma, which was caused by long existing con- 
stipation. An almost limitless number and variety of cases 
could be reported. 



144 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Alvine excretion is as essential as food, yet attention to this 
function of the economy of the body is comparatively neglected. 
From the environments of the human family, this function re- 
quires special daily attention, but also on account of these en- 
vironments, these duties are postponed and neglected, until a 
habit of constipation is established. The quantity of this ex- 
cretion that should leave the body daily, in order to obtain 
and retain health, depends on the amount of food taken, and 
the amount of exercise. If one has been bolting a half a bushel 
of food into the stomach daily, proportionate alvine excretions 
should be obtained. 

Habits of attention to the body effect much to establish 
daily free alvine evacuations. 

Much may be accomplished by diet ; apples, tomatoes, sorg- 
hum molasses, graham mush, and many other diets, partaken 
of sufficiently frequent, are useful in this respect, and the exer- 
cise of common sense in answering promptly these calls of na- 
ture, is of great importance. If a thorough cleansing of the 
alimentary canal be taken every six weeks or two months it 
will prevent a deal of suffering and very frequently influence in 
promoting long life. 

Constipation may be due to habit — of being too lazy or too 
neglectful to answer these necessary attentions, and to deficient 
exercise to promote the function, which habit being continued 
for considerable time, establishes the sluggish habit, or consti- 
pation. This matter being retained unduly, the fluid portion 
mav be re-absorbed and enter the circulation ; to convince your- 
self of the truth of this being the case, smell your perspiration 
and your breath. Think for one moment of a dislodgement of 
nearly a peck, and the possessor being so loth to part with the 
possession that had the fact been known that an agent for 



GENERAL DISEASES. 145 

such purpose were being given, no amount of persuasion could 
have induced the swallowing of it ! 

Sedentary habits are a great promoter of this injurious 
habit. It may be due to indigestion ; when, however, this is 
the case, there is generally alternate attacks of diarrhea and 
constipation. It is frequently due to perversion of fluids, as is 
manifest in cases that perspire unduly free; in these cases an 
undue proportion of the fluids of the body is conducted out by 
way of the sweat channels, thus leaving undue dryness of the 
serous lining of the bowels and the feces, thus to a degree pre- 
venting activity. 

There may manifest a somewhat paralyzed condition, as in 
feebleness in extreme age. 

"KNOTS IN THE BOWELS." 

Knots (?) in the bowels? Well, now, they happen so sel- 
dom, the writer will leave these cases for their discoverer to 
treat ; for, though having met many bad cases of colic, I never 
met such knotty cases. 

SUDDEN DEATHS. 

Sudden deaths are not always due to some special disease 
of the heart, in fact are rarely so. There are more causes that 
bring sudden death than a local disease of the heart. Sudden 
death may be due to the vital forces (or powers to live), hav- 
ing been consumed — or exhausted. This may be the case at 
any age, as all persons do not come into being with that 
power, or sufficient vitality to continue life the same length of 
time, even though each may be surrounded with comforts and 
environments equally good. 

EOR THE AGED. 

There is sometimes a condition met in which there is al- 
most continual itchings about the rectum. This may be due 



146 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to several causes, as permitting the parts to remain filthy, to 
a morbid condition of the discharges which pass over the 
parts, or to the presence of pin worms. 

Wash the parts twice a day, using water as hot as can be 
borne without burning and castile soap for the evening wash. 
A hot water injection per rectum may be advantageously used, 
once a day in cases of severe annoyances. 

A dose of the anti-billious physic (see remedies in this 
book) taken before breakfast, will change the morbid condi- 
tion of the discharges into a healthy state, generally, and the 
one dose is usually sufficient. The Garfield Tea taken suffi- 
ciently, is also a good remedy, not only in this condition, but 
is beneficial, taken occasionally, in conditions of nervousness, 
headache, and heavy, numb feelings, which sometimes manifest 
in the aged. 

If there is presence of pin worms, the following will usually 
disperse them : Take santonine, five grains ; divide this into 
three parts. Take castor oil and glycerine, of each, half an 
ounce. Mix the oils and divide into three parts, and mix one 
of the parts of the santonine in one part of the oil mixture 
for a dose, and take a dose every four hours till all have been 
taken. 

BRAIN-REST AND SLEEP. 

From five to twenty years would be added to the life of 
the greatest number of people, if each were provided with pleas- 
ant surrounding atmosphere, a good digestion, full term of 
sleep in its natural time — night, and more freedom from care 
and responsibility. Sleep is nature's great restorer, it is the 
best and most natural tonic to the nervous system known. 
One third of our time should be spent in sleep — quiet, undis- 
turbed, natural, refreshing sleep. 



GFNERAL DISEASES. 147 

FEAR DISEASE. 
The only disease many people have is fear. They are always 
looking for trouble and if they cannot find it they make it. 
This self-torturing state of mind, this worrying, anxious dread- 
ing reacts upon the body, depressing its functions, or stopping 
them altogether. 

Fear pales the cheek, cools the blood, changes, perverts and 
diminishes secretions. With these cases various manifestations 
appear, digestion and assimilation are imperfect and irregular, 
appetite variable, circulation fitful, take on and lose flesh easily, 
and sleep is uncertain. 

These people are easy victims to unscrupulous practitioners, 
much to their own worseness. 

In these cases the Christian Scientists, Faith Curers, and 
Magnetic Healers, treat these patients by seeking to awaken 
aspirations for a better life, they cultivate faith, love, hope, 
courage and responsibility, thus lifting the patient into a better- 
ness. Cheerful environments and direction in good habits of 
body are more needed in these cases than medicine, and it is 
herein that this class of practitioners does a most commendable 
work, and instead of their being persecuted as they are at pres- 
ent, they deserve the highest protection and respect. 

SPEAKERS AND SINGERS. 
Speakers, singers and artists, both men and women, experi- 
ence a lack of tone in their vocal organs, of a sense of vocal 
fatigue which seems to lessen their confidence in their ability 
to do justice to themselves in the performance of their parts. 
This, in many cases, is due to fatigue of the laryngeal muscles, 
the atonic condition or lack of tone being brought on by over- 
use, or over-work, and deficiency of rest to permit the vocal 
cords to recuperate their exhausted energies, as in examination 
of many of these cases there is no symptom of disease present. 



148 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The best and the most prompt and speedy remedy that I 
have found for this annoyance is essence of peppermint. Add 
half of a teaspoonful of essence of peppermint to sugar suffi- 
cient, and let it dissolve in the mouth, swallowing it as it dis- 
solves. Apply the essence of peppermint freely over the throat, 
well over the tonsils, and well up around the ears. The dose 
and applications may be repeated in half an hour, if necessary, 
and repeated again if necessary. This remedy is harmless in 
every way, which cannot be said of many remedies that have 
been used in treating throat troubles. It gives tone and a feel- 
ing of comfort to all the parts in the laryngeal and vocal re- 
gion, removes conjestion, removes soreness and prevents taking 
cold. Rest sufficient from talking should be taken. The system 
must be kept cleansed of its waste products by alvine and urin- 
ary activity, assisted by exercise sufficient; by this means the 
blood is free from morbid matters and a condition established 
which promotes easy circulation and prevents irritation and 
interference with the functional integrity of the tissues and 

parts. 

MOUTH BREATHING. 

Breathing through the mouth, apparently all the time, is 
due to habit to some extent. The individual can control the 
habit; all that is necessary being to train herself or 
himself to breathe through the nose. This is all the treatment 
that is needed. Occasionally there is a case met that the lips 
are naturally too short to easily entirely close over the teeth, 
which defect cannot be removed. Some of these cases may be 
improved by the person continuing the habit of endeavoring 
to keep the lips closed, and there are other cases that so ex- 
erting the lips, would worse the condition. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 149 

APPENDICITIS.— IMPACTED COLON. 

Symptoms indicating inflammation of the appendix verrni- 
formis, or ulceration of this part, are not well defined ; pain 
in the right illiac region, the leading symptom thought to in- 
dicate this condition, may indicate lesion far from the appen- 
dix; and suppurative discharge passing from the rectum does 
not truly indicate involvement of the appendix, and, peritonitis 
may and does arise from causes distant from the appendix. 

The cause of inflammation of this part was usually sup- 
posed to be induced by the presence of fruit-pips — fruit seeds 
lodging within its cavity, but it is somewhat intelligent to 
believe that should inflammation exist, it is quite probable its 
cause must be very similar to that which gives rise to con- 
ditions of inflammation in other parts of the intestinal tract. 
The appendix is by nature able to relieve itself of foreign sub- 
stances, if permitted to do so. The habit of filling up of the 
large intestine to the degree of impaction or prohibiting 
action, or the practice of administering opiates with the pre- 
sumption of relieving pain, but which locks-up the bowels and 
prevents them from emptying, these may prevent the appendix 
from performing its function — and if kept in this condition, 
will not only cause inflammation of immediate parts (which is 
as likely to be all of the parts containing feces), but may pro- 
duce a type of blood-poison known as typhoid fever; or if 
prolonged for a great length of time, may cause suppuration. 

Many of these cases are a condition of colic, caused by an 
over gorging of some unwholesome food which has developed 
an excessive production of gas within the stomach and bowels ; 
others are due to constipation leading up to impaction of the 
colon. In either condition there may be considerable colicky 
suffering. 



150 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

To administer opiates in these conditions, augments the 
seriousness of the condition, and endangers the life of the 
patient, and nothing of this kind of medicine must be given. 

Relaxation of the lower bowel is the needed condition to 
permit the fecal removal. When this is done the desired re- 
lief is obtained and a broad advance on the road to recovery 
is accomplished. The writer is much of the opinion that in 
about ninety-five per cent of the cases operated upon, the real 
relief is obtained from the chloroform administered, as the re- 
laxation which ensues from its administration permits the 
feces and gas which constitute the obstruction, to pass, thus 
giving the needed relief. The operation endangers life, leaves 
the body in a bad condition for all life, increases bodily suffer- 
ing and the death rate, and is not the mode of treatment that 
the skillful and honest doctor will resort to, before giving 
medicines an exhaustive trial. To do this requires time, and 
there is always time sufficient in all curable cases. If a case is 
so near dead that medicines can have no time to act, there is 
no surgical operation that can save the case. If the case has 
so far progressed that death seems imminent, an operation at 
this time so increases the death-danger, from shock, poisonous 
effect from the anesthetics, loss of blood, and the additional 
work for the system in healing the new wound, that the oper- 
ation cannot be at all considered as a curative remedy, or 
proceedure. 

Permit comparatively no foods till free biliary alvine dejec- 
tions are seen to obtain. Have the patient drink all of the 
hot water he can possibly drink. Administer an injection of 
hot water to which has been added half an ounce of glycerine, 
ten drops of tincture of lobelia, and five drops of tincture of 
capsicum, to a pint of water. While this treatment may seem 
quite simple in a way, the benefit in advancing the relief and 
cure very quickly follows. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 151 

Following the relief from the above, begin and give one 
dose of the preparation containing podophyllin and cascara 
named in the treatment of uraemia in this book, giving a dose 
every four hours till biliary alvine dejections are seen to obtain, 
then a general betterment manifests, and progress to recovery 
shows marked advance; or the capsules (see remedies in this 
book) or the powder without putting it in the capsule may be 
given instead of this fluid mixture. The following given three 
times a day continues the improvement: Take glycerine and 
olive oil, of each two ounces; simple syrup, half an ounce; 
tincture of nux vomica, fifteen drops ; essence of cinnamon, a 
drachm. Mix. Give one teaspoonful of the mixture three times 
a day, half an hour before meals. The very, very largest num- 
ber of these cases will recover speedily with no other treatment 
than a dose of anti-bilious physic. In severe paroxysms of pain 
which occasionally accompany this bowel or gastric trouble, 
the following inunction applied all over the abdominal region, 
aids in relieving till medicine administered internally has had 
time to act. Take spirits of camphor, glycerine, and essence of 
peppermint, of each, one ounce ; spirits of turpentine, half an 
ounce ; laudanum, one drachm and castor oil half an ouuce. 
Mix. Applied once or twice a day is usually sufficient. 

HEMORRHAGE FROM STOMACH OR BOWELS. 

When either of the above manifestations appear they indi- 
cate great feebleness and abnormal relaxation of the system, 
(except when it may be the result of having taken some 
corrosive substance or from local injury), no matter of 
what age the patient may be, and must be viewed with 
alarm. If possible to do so, plunge the patient's feet in 
water as hot as can be borne, but if this can not be 
done apply hot flannels over some heated article to the 
feet. Give internally fifteen or twenty drops of essence of 



152 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

cinnamon, or spirits of turpentine on sugar, every ten, fifteen 
or thirty minutes, prolonging the time as improvement or bet- 
terment ensues. After the homorrhage has checked give the fol- 
lowing : Take equal parts of glycerine and olive oil ; mix and 
give a teaspoonful three times a day, to one dose of which add 
ten drops of essence of cinnamon or spirits of turpentine — pre- 
ferably the essence of cinnamon. 

A capsule (see remedies in this book) taken every night for 
three or four nights hastens complete recovery. In severer 
cases one may be taken every six hours, till three or four have 
taken, with beneficial result. In many cases it is yet better to 
give one every three hours till free biliary alvine dejections 
follow. 

The above disturbance may present in typhoid condi- 
tions, or when there seems to be only a bilious condition; it 
may manifest in jaundice, or at any time with persons who 
indulge in intoxicating drinks, chewing and smoking tobacco, 
and athletes form numbers of its victims. But from whatever 
cause it must be viewed with alarm. 

STRICTURE OF THE RECTUM. 

This manifestation of ailment is not of frequent occurrence, 
and when present, usually yields to mild treatment. Dilata- 
tion by mechanical means is valueless and seldom necessary. 
The alcohol vapor bath administered to produce free perspir- 
ation, which relaxes rigidity throughout the system, will as a 
rule give the desired relief. The hot water sitz-bath, or an in- 
jection per rectum, gives the desired relaxation. A dose of the 
anti-bilious physic is speedy and effectual. 

PROLAPSUS OF THE RECTUM, OR LOWER BOWEL. 

Falling of the rectum, or prolapsus ani, is a form ot afflic- 
tion in which the rectum protrudes in greater or less degree, 



GENERAL DISEASES. 153 

at the verge of the anus. Elderly people, infants, and persons 
who have to stand on their feet unduly long, are most subject 
to it, though it may be due to an irritation of the rectum 
from some excessive cathartics, straining at stool, long crying, 
or loud and long talking, from general weakness, constipation, 
or excessive diarrhea, and the presence of worms. 

When the condition appears, in persons of any age, 
the patient must take the recumbent position and remain 
quiet. Ascertain the cause and remove it if possible. Apply 
quite firmly to the protruding part, a compress — a piece of 
cotton or folded cloth, moistened with hot water to which 
may be added a little witch hazel. A hot water sitz-bath, is 
also effective. When the manifestation appears with children, 
usually the above treatment is all that is needed. In cases of 
adults, keep the patient in the recumbent position till restor- 
ation of strength is effected, and regulate the bowels by giving 
the following: Take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, two 
heaped tablespoonfuls ; podophyllin, half a grain. Thoroughly 
mix, and divide into thirty powders. Give a powder every 
four hours till alvine action is seen, then one once or twice a 
week. The hot water applications should be kept up till the 
inflammation subsides. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In glandular enlargements, as in enlargement of the liver, 
aching pain in its region and between the shoulders, enlarged 
tonsils, enlarged spleen, mammary abcess, intermittent fever, 
and gout, administer the following, as it is an exterminator 
of some very obstinate conditions of the above types: Take 
polymnia uvedalia, one drachm ; water and glycerine, of each, 
four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture, three 
times a day. Dose for children in proportion to age. Accom- 



154 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

pany this by the taking of a capsule (see remedies in this 
book) at night. 

PILES— HEMORRHOIDS. 

This affection is an unpleasant annoyance, and sometimes 
gives rise to much suffering as well as inconvenience. There 
are some cases that are rather persistent in returning, are stub- 
born to disperse and permit of getting well. The condition 
though arising from the same or similar causes, manifests two 
varieties, the internal and the external. The internal protrudes 
within the rectum, and the external protrudes outside. The 
pile tumor is sometimes hard and sometimes soft and varies in 
size. Occasionally after manifesting they disappear without at- 
tention, but more frequently they recur with increased severity. 
Their rupturing causes them to absent for awhile. From their 
rupturing, bleeding, they are sometimes called bleeding piles. 

When the affliction appears it is due to obstruction of the 
circulation of the blood, to a sluggish and morbid condition of 
the system, straining at alvine evacuations, prolonged stand- 
ing on the feet and heavy lifting. 

The essential in effecting a cure, and also in retaining a 
cure, is to place the system right and keep it so. Keep the 
bowels unloaded and clean. In the early manifestations the 
hot water sitz-bath and hot water injections, per rectum, taken 
every night, alternate nights, or every third or fourth night, 
constitute all the local treatment necessary. 

In severer cases the following application gives soothing 
and curative results : Take hamamelis, spirits of camphor and 
essence of peppermint, of each one ounce ; laudanum, one-fourth 
of an ounce ; castor oil, two ounces. Mix. Continue a hot 
water sitz-bath for ten or fifteen minutes, cleasing well the 
parts by the addition of castile soap, then dry the parts and 



1 



GENERAL DISEASES. 155 

apply the above preparation. Once a day is usually sufficient 
and the time, preferably at night. 

The bowels may be sufficiently regulated by taking the cap- 
sules (see remedies in this book), one every night for two 
nights, then extending the time as needed. Both the hot water 
injections and the sitz-baths greatly aid in emptying the bow- 
els, dispersing inflammations, and give tone to the parts. 
There are exceedingly few cases that will not get well with 
this treatment. 

Sulphur and cream of tartar, equal parts, and sugar suffi- 
cient to make palatable, makes an efficient remedy, frequently 
dispersing them without the aid of other medicines, and they 
do not dispose to return. Dose of this mixture, a heaped tea- 
spoonful every morning for three mornings, repeating every 
week so long as necessary. 

Surgical operations in these cases are always ruinous and 
never cure, every case so treated being left worse. 

Ten drops of tincture of horse chestnut taken every three 
hours during the day has been recommended for curing hem- 
orrhoids. 

FISTULA IN ANO. 

This may result from piles or hemorrhoids having been 
present, and resulted in suppuration. It may be a boil, abcess, 
or carbuncle near the rectum, disposing to continue suppurat- 
ing after rupturing and refusing to heal. In addition to the 
suffering accompanying this affliction, it is disgustingly repul- 
sive. 

Wash about the parts once to twice a day, using hot 
water and castile soap freely, then the preparation directed for 
local application in the treatment of piles, in this book, may 
be applied in cases of great severity. Occasionally soaking up 



156 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

these parts once or twice a day, in the hot water sitz-bath is 
very helpful in effecting a cure, frequently hastening it. 

For internal medication, take fluid extract of yellow dock, 
two ounces; fluid extract of may apple root, one drachm; 
glycerine, three ounces, essence of peppermint, one ounce. 
Mix. Take a teaspoonful of this mixture half an hour before 
dinner and a half an hour before supper, each day for three 
to five days, then from three to two times a week so long 
as needed. 

The soothing ointment (see remedies in this book) makes 
a good application to the afflicted part. 

Tincture of benzoin, two drachms, added to one ounce of 
vaseline and mixed well, also makes a good application. 

The above treatment if pursued as directed, will cure the 
very largest per cent, of curable cases, even if syphilitic taint 
is in the system. I have cured fistula of several years stand- 
ing, with no other treatment than the patient taking the cap- 
sules (see remedies in this book), and keeping the parts cleaned 
with hot water and castile soap, effecting a cure in but a few 
weeks, and the patient keeping at his work every day, and in 
doing his work it necessitated his being on his feet about all 
day. The patient was past the half century mark. Use these 
treatments and you will be happy with the result. 

A good way to take the capsules in these cases is to take 
one every four hours till free biliary alvine dejections are seen 
to follow. Usually from three to five will accomplish this. 
Then continue taking one from three times a week to once a 
week, until the cure is effected. Marked improvement early 
begins. 

GLEET. 

This disease disturbs the mind of the patient almost as se- 
verely as the degree of the seriousness existing. Accompanying 



GENERAL DISEASES. 157 

a very chronic case of this malady many real or imaginary lit- 
tle side-ills may seem to appear, and if the ailment is allowed 
to continue it makes a more or less hypochondriac of its victim. 

Many of these cases, even old cases of gleet, will get well 
by drinking abundantly of hot water, occasionally drinking a 
cup of watermelon seed tea, and taking a hot water sitz-bath 
daily. Severer cases may use, in addition to the above treat- 
ment, the following wash : Take hamamelis, two drachms ; 
hydrastis, one drachm, and water, four ounces. Mix. One- 
fourth of this may be added to a little water and use A d as an 
injection once a day. 

Take tincture of aconite, five drops; water fou ounces. 
Mix. The patient may take of this preparation a teaspoonfu* 
every three hours during the day. 

Before taking any treatment, however, in the large number 
of these cases, the patient should take a full dose of the anti- 
bilious physic, then wait from fifteen to twenty-four hours be- 
fore taking any other treatment. Rest in the recumbent posi- 
tion is of much importance in severe cases. From this dose 
alone, in addition to the hot water sitz-baths, it is astonishing 
what great advance in a cure is effected. This one dose and 
the hot water sitz-baths, the baths taken every day to every 
third day, with a hot water injection per rectum taken about 
the same frequency, will cure the very largest number of these 
cases. If the condition has been of long continuance, or has 
been disposed to recur, take a capsule (see remedies in this 
book) every four hours till free alvine dejections are seen to 
follow. Then continue taking one from three times to once a 
week until recovery is complete. 

NEURALGIA. 

Neuralgia in any part of the body, is almost entirely due 
to an abnormal condition of the spleen and deficient urinary 



158 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

excretion, of both males and females. Many cases of neuralgia 
of the breasts and ovaries, and neuralgia of the face of both 
sexes, have been called cancer and the breasts and ovaries been 
cut away, and the face corroded and eaten away with destruc- 
tive drugs, and the patients not improved in health, but left 
worse — where they have sutvived such treatment at all. 

For the quickest relief, take fluid extract of bryonia, twenty 
drops, and water four ounces. Mix. Dose — A teaspoonful every 
three hours when awake, or during the day. This dose is for 
an adult. T n addition to this remedy, take a capsule (see rein- 
ed' this book) every night for three nights, then take one 
from i ur times to twice a week. 

Fluid extract of kava kava, two drachms ; water, three 
ounces. Mix. A teaspoonful of this remedy taken twice a day 
increases the elimination and urinary activities, thus favoring 
and hastening recovery. Improvement manifests from the be- 
ginning of treatment. 

Polymnia uvedalia, five drops ; glycerine and water, of each 
two ounces. Mix. Dose — A teaspoonful three tim.,s a day, is 
effective in the above conditions. Its action is slower, however. 

In severe paroxysms of this ailment the writer has given a 
dose of the anti-bilious physic with the result that permanent 
relief speedily followed. 

OBSERVE. 

In many cases of sweatings and shiverings, unduly pro- 
longed excessive sweatings, the former of these generally ex- 
hibiting in cases of an onsetting of fevers, and the latter exhibit- 
ing in cases of very great exhaustion, the following serves an 
excellent good, and very frequently completely stops the 
manifestation. Take capsicum and cinchonidia, of each, equal 
parts. Mix well, and fill No. 2 capsules. Give one every two 



GENERAL DISEASES. 159 

hours until three are given. This number given each day for 
three days is generally sufficient to prevent return. 

A TREATMENT ANY ONE CAN TAKE. 

Take tincture of mandrake, tincture of nux vomica, tincture 
of blue flag, of each, one drachm ; simple syrup and glycerine, 
of each, two ounces ; olive oil, two ounces : essence of pepper- 
mint and fluid extract of aromatic cascara, of each, one ounce. 
Mix. Take one teaspoonful twice a day. Its curative action 
can be depended on. 

Taken as directed, and the hot water sitz-baths or the hot 
water injections per rectum, or both in severe cases, from every 
day in severe cases to every other, or every third in mild 
cases, will disperse, will cure, the most obstinate cases of con- 
stipation, gleet, stricture of the urethra, and diseases of the 
prostate gland even though great enlargement exists. 

If the morbid condition has progressed to considerable 
degree, before treatment has been begun, give a dose of the anti- 
bilious physic, (see remedies in this book), and sponge-bathe 
the parts -with hot water, and let the patient remain quiet for 
thirty-six h^urs giving no medicine for this time, only con- 
tinuing the baths once or twice a day. Then begin giving the 
above mixture. 

There will be found cases where the doses must be given 
less frequently, some in which the taking of the medicine may 
be discontinued for two, four, and even six days, then begin- 
ning again, taking one dose a day for awhile, discontinue for 
awhile again, and then take again. 

This can be had at any drug store as any druggist can 
put it up. 

HYDROCELE, OR DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM. 
The above named disease manifests by a collection of watery 
fluid in the scrotum, or sac which contains the testes, or some 



160 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

part of itself, or the spermatic cord, and may extend to large 
dimensions. It may appear at any age, and is due to causes 
productive of dropsy in any other part of the body. Pain, es- 
pecially in its early manifestations, does not usually accompany 
its presence. This local manifestation might prove fatal, as the 
cause which provoked its appearance may involve the entire 
system in like condition — dropsy, which if not cured must prove 
fatal. 

Hydrocele may be distinguished from rupture by its trans- 
parency, which does not present in conditions of rupture. 

When appearing in infancy and childhood it occasionally 
disappears spontaneously. When treatment in this age of pa- 
tients is had recourse to, often the hot water sitz-bath, admin- 
istered once or twice a day, or mats wrung from hot water 
and applied, effects a cure with no other treatment. A little 
spirits of camphor, witch hazel, or vinegar added to the water, 
adds efficiency. 

Occasionally a constitutional remedy may be needed to has- 
ten recovery in cases of childhood. The following preparation 
serves well for this purpose: Take simple syrup and glycerine, 
of each two ounces; podophyllum P., half a drachm, and some 
aromatic sufficient, as essence of cinnamon. Mix. Dose, for a 
child from six months to a year old, give a teaspoonful every 
day for three days, then every third day. A few doses of cas- 
toria may be given to very young babies for constitutional 
effect, when the annoyance does not disappear from using the 
baths alone. 

Exhibiting in older life, the hot water sitz-baths are indis- 
pensable. The medicines directed, added to the bath for chil- 
dren, are also valuable for the adult, and the baths should be 
administered once or twice a day and continued so long as the 



GENERAL DISEASES. 161 

disturbance exhibits. The hot water injections, per rectum, 
are invaluable in these cases. 

This fluid should have been eliminated from the economy 
and excreted from the body by the way of the kidneys chiefly ; 
its appearance in abnormal or excessive quantity in these parts 
is a perversion, and this perversion must be corrected before a 
cure can be effected. In a few mild cases the hot water sitz- 
baths alone give sufficient tone to effect recovery, but more 
frequently medicine for constitutional effect must be given. 

The treatment directed under the heading in this work, "A 
Treatment Any One Can Take." is well adapted to this condi- 
tion, and may be used as there directed. Or the capsules (see 
remedies in this book) may be taken, in severe cases, one every 
four hours till free biliary alvine dejections are seen, then one at 
night from three times to once a week. In all cases use the 
local treatments directed above. 

Also the following preparation gives the desired result for 
this purpose : Take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, three 
heaped tablespoonfuls ; podophyllin, one grain. Thoroughly 
triturate together, and divide into thirty powders. (A little 
sugar may be added to the powder to make it palatable.) 
Usually one powder taken every day until three have been taken, 
then one taken every third day, till the annoyance is cured, is 
sufficiently frequent to take this medicine. The powder is to 
be taken dry. The capsules (see remedies in this book) taken 
one every night, for three nights, then one every second or third 
night, also prove effective, and in addition to hot water sitz- 
baths, prove all that is needed in many cases. 

VARICOCELE. 

Varicocele manifests by undue enlargements of the veins of 
the spermatic cord, and enlargement of the scrotum; usually 
frequent micturition, sometimes accompanied with pain, pain 



162 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

in the back, back of the head, and a feeling of weight. Con- 
stipation of the bowels is usually present and the subject is 
more or less despondent. This disturbance usually manifests in 
the beginning of advancing age and advanced age, more 
rarely occurring under the age of forty or forty-five. 

The treatment is usually simple and easily conducted. Give 
a full dose of the anti-bilious physic — the first thing before any- 
thing has been eaten in the morning, being the best time to 
take this remedy for best effect. The second day after taking 
this, begin taking the capsules (see remedies in this book), one 
every other night just before going to bed. The hot water sitz- 
baths to -which has been added a little witch hazel or a little 
spirits of camphor, taken once daily in mild cases, and in more 
severe cases, twice daily, removes the local disturbance. Rest 
must be taken in the recumbent position, and uncomely habits 
not indulged in. 

The first treatment directed for the treatment of hydrocele 
of adults, is admirably adapted to this condition, and may be 
used. 

GASTRITIS, ENTERITIS, DYSENTERY. 

A distressing and depressing disturbance, affecting in its 
earlier manifestations, the mucous membranes of the alimen- 
tary canal, and called different names, as gastritis, when con- 
fined principally to the stomach, enteritis, when confined to 
the small intestines, and dysentery when exhibiting in the large 
intestines, may manifest at any age, or period of life. 

This disturbance arises from similar causes, and in fact, in 
its different forms is the same ailment, the difference consisting 
in the different degrees of severity. It is due to a debilitated 
condition of the system, and an immediate paroxysm may be 
provoked by exposure to the depressing influences of heat, or 
cold, and improper food. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 163 

The hot water sitz-bath to extend over the entire ab- 
domen, and the foot bath, administered every day in severe 
cases, in milder cases, two or three times a week, and keeping 
the patient quiet, is frequently all the treatment necessary. 

In cases of severer type, give the following : Take glycer- 
ine and simple syrup, of each, three ounces; fluid extract of 
cascara aromatic, half an ounce; podophyllin, half a grain. 
Mix, and shake the bottle well each time before taking a dose. 
Give a teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours till biliary 
alvine action is seen, then a dose every third or fourth night 
so long as needed. If disposition to hemorrhage appears, take 
equal parts of glycerine and olive oil, mix, and add fifteen 
drops of essence of cinnamon, or spirits of turpentine, to a 
teaspoonful, (this dose for an adult) and give every four 
hours, till betterment. Maltine with pepsin and pancreatine, 
a teaspoonful, taken after meals, aids much in restoration to 
health in these disturbances. 

Olive oil, two ounces; glycerine, one ounce; and essence of 
peppermint, an ounce. Mix, and give a tablespoonful, to an 
adult, three times a day. This gives the desired relief, and 
does not disturb or irritate the stomach or digestive tract in 
any way, and though its action is a little slow, it is effective 
and is especially desirable for children. 

Where the condition has progressed to the dysenteric type, 
in adults, a dose of the anti-bilious physic, is the quickest re- 
lief, and it is seldom any other medicine is necessary, after 
giving it. 

CHOLERA. 

Cholera only prevails during the hot season. Its appear- 
ance is due to the depressing effects of heat, together with the 
disposition of some people to indulge in eating immatured foods 
— green fruit and vegetables scarcely half cooked. An attack 



164 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

may be provoked by great worriment or vexation, or a fit of 
ill-temper, by over-work, or long exposure to the sun or heated 
air. 

The above type of foods are taken into the stomach in larger 
quantities than the gastric juices of the stomach can handle — 
can prevent from undergoing putrefaction, and in this condi- 
tion it becomes an irritating factor, and "cholera," or an ex- 
pulsion of the irritating factor results. 

The most potent and dangerous carrier of cholera is in- 
vested in badly matured, decomposing, badly cooked food, 
taken into the stomach in this condition, and the depressing 
effects of heat — to biliousness, and all alcoholic beverages favor 
its development. 

Prevention is worth more than a cure. To prevent, abstain 
from the producing causes, protect the body from chill air and 
from the depressing influence of heat, keep the body well nour- 
ished by the use of wholesome foods properly cooked, and keep 
from getting bilious. 

The patient must be kept quiet and warm. To relieve 
nausea, give frequent sups of hot w r ater. Apply over the ab- 
domen, a woolen mat, or cloth folded five or six thicknesses, 
with the following: Capsicum tea, very mild, a pint; essence 
of peppermint, half an ounce ; olive oil, two ounces. Mix, and 
apply hot. Cover this with a dry woolen cloth. This is ex- 
ceedingly beneficial where there has been much diarrhea. This 
application has a tonic and stimulating effect and checks abnor- 
mal peristalsis, does not produce prostration, but aids the 
forces of the system to gather up and continue. The above 
treatment, and rest, are all that is required, frequently, especi- 
ally in those cases where vomiting and diarrhea have evacuated 
the alimentary cacal of obnoxious matters. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 165 

If progression to recovery is not perceptibly manifesting, 
the nausea and vomiting checked, give a dose of anti-bilious 
physic, and keep the patient in a restful position, and give no 
"other medicine for thirty-six hours, when the following may be 
given: Take tincture of golden seal, half an ounce; tincture of 
wild cherry bark, two ounces ; tincture of gentian, five drops ; 
glycerine, four ounces ; and fluid extract of cascara aromatic, 
half an ounce. Mix, and give a teaspooriful of the mixture, 
three times a day. 

When it is evident that such is effected, give a capsule (see 
remedies in this book) every six hours, four or five usually be- 
ing sufficient, then one every third or fourth night, so long as 
needed. 

When there is sourness about the breath and gastric pain 
in the stomach and bowels, a full dose of the anti-bilious 
physic, gives the speediest relief, the patient being kept quiet 
for two or three hours. This is always the best remedy to 
give when it is not evident that the morbid matters have been 
cleared out of the alimentary canal. (See remedies in this book.) 

CHOLERA MORBUS. 

Cholera morbus manifests from the same causes that give 
rise to cholera — though the exhibition may be milder. The 
sickness and distress at the stomach, the perversion of bile, the 
vomiting and diarrhea accompany both. 

In either case there are gaseous accumulations or distensions 
in the stomach or bowels, or in both, and in this condition the 
anti-bilious physic gives the quickest relief. After its adminis- 
tration, the patient must remain quiet and warm. It is seldom 
that any other medicine is needed, recovery generally resulting, 
with nothing more additional than rest and proper 
feeding. Should the debility, however, be great, the tonic prep- 



166 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

aration directed in the treatment of cholera, may be given, and 
the application there directed applied over the abdomen, may 
be likewise used in these cases. 

The gravest mistake in the treatment of these disturbances 
is to check the intestinal flux or diarrhea with opium, morphine 
or other astringents. If successful in immediately checking the 
alvine discharge, the abnormal and irritating materials which 
cause and keep up the disorder are imprisoned within the bowels, 
thus increasing the danger from continued irritation and poison ; 
or, even if not successful, the patient is more or less depressed 
by the narcotic drug which does not benefit but lessens the 
power of the vital forces to cope with existing conditions. 
The alimentary canal must be cleaned in all cases, of both cho- 
lera and cholera morbus, and for this purpose the remedies 
named in this article are admirably adapted, if used as direct- 
ed. 

Dioscorea vil., fifteen drops, added to four ounces of water, 
a teaspoonful of the mixture given every hour, every two hours, 
or every three hours, serves the purpose of allaying these gas- 
eous disturbances, in some cases. 

In some of these cases that have progressed to great degree 
of severity, and the patient appears much exhausted, the fol- 
lowing gives good results in assisting to recovery : Take equal 
parts of capsicum, cinchonidia and golden seal, and mix thoro- 
ughly. Fill No. 2 capsules with this, and give one about seven 
o'clock in the morning, and one at three in the afternoon. 
These may be taken in this frequency from three to five days. 

HICCOUGH. 

Hiccough is due to faulty digestion, to acidity of the stom- 
ach, to intoxication, to excessive drinking of cold water when 
the stomach is in enfeebled condition, and it sometimes follows 
the taking of too much cold water with foods. Or it may 



GENERAL DISEASES. 167 

manifest when some severe type of disease, either acute or pro- 
longed, is about to terminate fatally, in which case medicine 
has no effect. 

If hiccough manifests immediately after partaking of food, 
and distressingly persists, give an emetic, and place dry heat 
to the feet and legs, and keep the patient quiet in the recum- 
bent position for four or five hours, at least. Warm water 
serves quite well for emetic purposes. 

Frequent sups of hot water, hot as can be supped, is effi- 
cient in curing in most cases. A large number are aided to 
relief, by hot applications over the stomach, bowels, and to 
the feet. 

Five drops of essence of cinnamon on sugar, has given 
prompt relief in some cases that refused to yield to other rem- 
edies. 

Five drops of spirits of turpentine on sugar; has also 
proved efficient. These remedies may be repeated in ten, 
twenty, or thirty minutes if necessary. 

Half a teaspoonful of salt added to half a glass of water, 
and a teaspoonful given every ten, twenty or thirty minutes, 
has given relief in hiccough. 

If a torpid condition of the bowels exists, means to pro- 
duce alvine action must be had recourse to. If there is sour- 
ness about the breath, give the anti-bilious physic (see reme- 
dies in this book). Drinking very freely of hot water, and 
using hot water rectal injections, gives the desired relief. 

Chewing calamus root relieves some cases. Or, it may be 
made into a tea. Extending the head well back, aud raising 
the arms above the head, then taking full inspirations of 
breath, repeating it several times, has given the relief craved. 



168 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A thorough cleansing out of the biliousness, is the object 
that must be accomplished in many of these cases, and until 
this is done, relief even if obtained, refuses to stay. 

GALL STONES. 

Some physicians and authors recognize and name a type of 
morbidity, as "gall stones," attributing their location to be 
most usually in the gall-bladder, or common gall duct; and 
that no particular symptoms indicate their presence till they 
begin to leave the gall-bladder, entering the common duct. 
Some eminent physicians and authors do not recognize any such 
condition. The disturbance called biliary calculi, is the same 
disturbance, only possessing a different name. 

The general symptoms in the attack of suffering, said to be 
due to the above cause, are very like symptoms associated with 
conditions of morbidity in the liver or nearly associated thereto, 
in any type of liver derangement, modified by degrees of sever- 
ity. There is dull pain about the liver, severe, piercing pain in 
right hypochondrium, may extend about the right shoulder and 
right arm, or the arms and lower limbs become numb, or "go 
to sleep" as some describe the sensation, pain in the epigastrium 
or pit of the stomach, and, for some time before an attack 
more or less discoloration of the skin has exhibited. The par- 
oxysm is sometimes ushered in by a chill, occasionally to the 
degree of rigor, sometimes vomiting, occasionally delirium, and 
generally obstructed, or inactive excretions of all excretory 
functions of the system. Many of the above symptoms mani- 
fest weeks, or months before a severe paroxysm of suffering. 

Persons affected with this paroxysmal suffering, are those 
of sedentary and indoor habits, and although there is a debili- 
tated and greatly depressed condition of the general system, 
these persons are gormandizers. The condition is due to defi- 
ciency of muscular exercise in the out door air, to aid and per- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 169 

mit the system to rid itself of its detritus or morbid matters, 
and to these accumulations, and their depressing presence, are 
due the suffering, and the prevention of proper nutrition from 
the foods taken. 

For relief from the immediate paroxysm, hot water, applied 
over the region of the pain, by means of a woolen mat, and 
hot water drunk freely, all that the patient can drink or sup, 
and as hot as can be supped, gives the speediest relief. After 
the severe paroxysm passes off, give the following: Take olive 
oil and glycerine, of each, three ounces ; essence of peppermint, 
one ounce; sweet spirits of nitre, an ounce, and fluid extract 
of aromatic cascara, an ounce. Mix. Give teaspoonful of the 
mixture every three hours, till free alvine dejections are seen. 
The action of this remedy is effective, yet it causes no irritation 
or nausea, which is very commendable in a remedy for this dis- 
tress. 

Sulphur, licorice and cream of tartar, of each, two table- 
spoonfuls; podophyllin, half a grain. Thoroughly mix, and then 
mix this powder with sufficient honey to make a little thicker 
than honey. Give a teaspooful of the mixture three times a day 
before meals. This remedy is mild in its action, but it serves 
an excellent and effective purpose in these annoyances. 

JAUNDICE. 
Jaundice is a type of morbid condition frequently met, but 
it is generally looked upon as a matter of but small conse- 
quence, though really it is indicative of more seriousness than 
many other types of ailments. It is due to perversion of the 
bile and obstruction, and probably a combination of conditions 
causes this perversion and obstruction, as a debilitated condi- 
tion of the general system, exposure to cold and damp, or heat 
and damp, also to the use of alcoholic drinks and excessive use 
of coffee. It is largely met among children who are poorly fed 



170 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and stimulated up on coffee, poorly clothed, live in houses too 
damp and cold for habitation, and to sleeping cold. It may 
manifest from loss of sleep, over-work, and long-continued 
study and confinement indoors, or the causes of its manifesta- 
tion may not be obvious. Persons of any age may be attacked 
with it. Some years there appears to be more cases among 
senile people than among the young. 

The symptoms indicating this type of affection are marked 
discolorations of the skin and a cadaverous expression. The 
skin assumes a dirty yellowish-brown color, verging to a green- 
ish-brown or brownish black about the eyes and hair. To a 
degree there is a yellowishness all over the body. Brown spots 
sometimes appear over the face or hands or other parts of the 
body. The urine changes in color, becoming dark yellow, and 
frequently leaves dark sediment. Dropsical symptoms may or 
may not manifest. Occasionally this symptom manifests all over 
the body; in adults frequently the feet, legs, hands and face 
swell, and in children the abdomen. Young girls entering wo- 
manhood attacked with this type of affection may be affected 
with enlargement of the abdomen, which may continue to en- 
large to enormous proportions, and this condition has often 
been mistaken for pregnancy by both physician and lay-people 
for considerable time and the patient been made to suffer un- 
justly. 

This enlargement may be due to an accumulation of water, 
as in true dropsy, or it may be simply an abnormal accumula- 
tion of gas. The disease may continue for several years before 
proving fatal, and it may continue for several years before 
being cured, if not properly and promptly treated. 

In the treatment of this ailment the hot water sponge- 
baths are of great aid in stimulating the functions of the skin. 
The water used should have sufficient soda added to it to make 



GENERAL DISEASES. 171 

it feel slick as it passes through the fingers. The baths should 
be taken two or three times a week. 

Chionanthus, three drops, in a little water, taken three 
times a day will usually place the system in normal condition. 
Should this not indicate proving effective within five to eight 
days, as will be seen by the clearing of the skin, take equal 
parts of olive oil and glycerine, mix and take a teaspoonful 
three times a day. A capsule (see remedies in this book), 
taken every night for three nights, and then one taken twice 
a week, in addition to above hastens recovery. 

Some cases prove quite obstinate to disperse, necessitate, 
vigorous action from the remedies. In these cases the writer 
has had good results from giving the capsules (see remedies in 
this book), one every four hours till free biliary alvine dejec- 
tions appeared, then continued giving one from twice to once 
a week, so long as necessary. The mixture directed in the 
treatment of uraemia in this book, which contains cascara 
and podophyllin, may be taken instead of the capsules. 

To further assist the kidneys in their work of elimination, 
the writer has had best results from giving the following in 
addition to the above. Take fluid extract of kava kava, two 
drachms; water, three ounces. Mix. Dose. One teaspoonful 
taken half an hour before meals, three times a day. This also 
favors the appetite. 

SCURVY. 

Scurvy is a constitutional disturbance, or disease, locally 
manifesting in the mouth over the gums, which usually pre- 
sent a livid appearance at first, followed by a scab, or scurvy 
formation. When this manifestation of disease appears, there 
is great constitutional debility ; this condition is consequent 
from lack of nutritious food, long and close confinement, hard 



172 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

labor and being confined to a limited range of food insufficient 
in nutrition to supply, or rather repair, the wastes of the 
system, and to mental vexations. 

The patient must have rest, and nutritious and desirable 
food. Give the remedy directed for the cure of gastric distur- 
bance, and use as a wash for the mouth, the following: Take 
bayberry bark, golden seal, and sage, of each, equal parts. 
Make from it a strong tea, and add a small bit of borax, and 
sufficient honey or sugar to make it near a syrup. Wash the 
mouth four or five times a day. If there are ulcers or sores 
of much degree, place dry black pepper upon them after using 
the above wash. 

UREMIA. 

In conditions manifesting to which the above name is 
given, the materials which constitute the urine are in part or 
wholly retained in the blood, or circulation, from defect in the 
eliminating powers of the kidneys, or some other deranged 
function, preventing these materials from being strained off, or 
eliminated. The somewhat cherry -brown color of the blood 
seen through the skin of the veins, is due to these matters 
being retained. 

These materials, having served their purposes, by limita- 
tion and progressing in degeneracy, go on in decomposition, in 
which state they are poisons in the body, as is evidenced by the 
various morbid manifestations which follow their retention, as 
a dull headache, mental depression, inability to concentrate 
the mind on any particular subject; despondent, morose, 
vicious, suicidal tendencies; delirium and insanity, rheumatic 
and neuralgic aches, eruptions, small pox, boils, carbuncles, 
typhoid and remittent fever, smootherings, heart disturbance, 
dropsy, paralysis and apoplexy. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 173 

If the retentions of these materials have been of long du- 
ration, the skin assumes a pale, dirty-yellowish brown, and 
expressionless appearance, and may be dry and hot, or damp, 
flaccid, and more or less sticky to the touch. The offensive 
odor of the breath and sweat is due to the presence of these 
decomposed materials, being in the blood. Digestion and as- 
similation do not go on and loss of strength results. 

This morbid condition may manifest in any age of the 
person's life, and both males and females are subject to it; 
and, this derangement or morbid condition of the urinary 
function is the derangement most frequently met. There is not 
always, not often, pain in the region of the kidneys, but there 
is usually considerable dull, heavy, sluggish sensations, and, 
occasionally a "catch" when bringing the body from a sitting 
or forward posture to the erect. 

If this affection has progressed till several of the symptoms 
I have named are present, or some of them have prominently 
manifested, there is no remedy of which I have learned, that 
has such perfect and quick results in giving immediate relief, 
and so well starting the work of recovery, as a dose of anti- 
bilious physic — nothing that in one dose (rarely a second 
dose is necessary to start action) so thoroughly eliminates from 
the blood and cavities these accumulated morbid products and 
restores normal functional activity, thus placing the system in 
a health restoring condition. A heaped teaspoonful of the 
powder is a dose for an adult, and if alvine action has not 
been seen in two hours and a half, another dose may be taken 
(see remedies in this book). The patient's body should be 
sponge-bathed every second day, using water as warm as can 
well be borne — and a sitz and foot bath should be taken every 
evening, at least till the patient is well on the road to re- 
covery. 



174 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

After the above medicine has been seen to act and the al- 
vine action has abated, nutritious food should be supplied, 
and the patient permitted to rest. In six hours after taking 
the above dose, the following may be given: Add half an 
ounce of sugar of milk to half a pint of water, and give one- 
fourth of this quantity every four hours until it has all been 
taken. Then begin taking the following and continue taking 
till recovery : Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each, three 
ounces ; fluid extract of cascara aromatic, one ounce ; tincture 
of buchu, half an ounce ; and podophyllin, two grains. Mix. 
Shake well the bottle each time before taking a dose. Dose 
for an adult, a teaspoonful. Take a teaspoonful of this mix- 
ture every night just before retiring, for three nights, then con- 
tinue taking it one dose every third or fourth night. 

The treatment may be begun with this remedy, and a cure 
effected. When beginning the treatment with this remedy, give 
a dose every four hours till free alvine action is seen to follow, 
then continue taking it every third or fourth night till restor- 
ation to health is obtained. If the appetite is unduly feeble, 
add one-fourth of a drachm of tincture of gentian, to the above 
mixture, and mix thoroughly by shaking well the bottle. 

Some of the mild attacks of this affection disperse, and a 
restoration to health ensues, by taking the following mixture : 
Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each, two ounces; fluid 
extract cascara, half an ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre, half an 
ounce; and tincture of buchu, half an ounce. Mix, and take 
a tablespoonful every night, for three nights, then every fourth 
night, so long as necessary. 

If there are offensive odors clinging about the sweat, and 
breath, add half a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa to half a 
glass of water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture, three 
times a day for two or three days. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 175 

EXCESSIVE FLOW OF URINE. 

The amount of urine discharged is influenced at all times of 
life by heat, which lessens the quantity by increasing sweating, 
thus taking the fluids from the urinary excretion ; and, by cold 
which checks sweating thus throwing more of this excretion 
upon the kidneys to do ; the amount is also influenced by the 
quantity of fluids we drink, and the exercise we take. When a 
morbid condition of the general system manifests, this will 
cause excessive urination, or deficient urination. 

Excessive flow of urine is characterized by frequent dis- 
charges of large quantities of urine. This annoyance is due to 
an atonic condition of the system which permits this excess 
and perversion. This excessive flow draining the system unduly 
of its fluids, causes great thirst, a strong call for fluids to re- 
place that abnormal drainage. 

This oickness has been called Bright's disease, and diabetes 
etc., which names give us no intelligence of either the nature or 
cause of the morbid condition, or what must be accomplished 
in order to restore the sufferer to good health. 

When this condition manifests, it will be found that a con- 
stipated condition of the bowels has been present almost all 
the time for weeks and perhaps months, the patient becoming 
debilitated, emaciated, having variable appetite, and fever, and 
restlessness. The constipation may be alternated by diarrhea. 
The tongue will be found nastily coated, unpleasant taste in 
the mouth, especially so in the morning, offensive breath, skin 
dirty ashen-yellowish, expressionless, and appetite variable, di- 
gestion and assimilation badly performed. There may or may 
not be pains in the loins or region of the kidneys, and the 
weakness is no greater there than throughout the body, Drop- 
sical manifestations may appear, especially if the morbid con- 



176 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

dition has been of long duration. Its progress is slower in 
some cases than in others. 

The course that must be pursued in its treatment must be 
restorative. The functional activity of all of the organs must 
be obtained. When this is accomplished, the sufferer disposes 
to get well. This is best and quickest accomplished by arous- 
ing the liver to activity, and administering the hot water in- 
jection per rectum, and the hot water sitz-baths. The sitz-bath 
may be administered at night, and the injection in the morn- 
ing, discontinuing the injections while there is frequent actions 
from the bowels. 

The same remedies that I have directed in the treatment of 
uraemia, effect a cure for this type of ailment. Give the reme- 
dies there directed, and as there directed, and the result will be 
a cure. 

SCALDING OR BURNING ACCOMPANYING MICTURITION. 

If there is scalding or burning during micturition, or the 
passage of urine, or excoriations appear on parts where the 
urine touches, administer the hot water sitz-bath to extend 
well near the waist line, also take the foot bath once a day. 
Add a teaspoonful of acetate of potassium to four ounces of 
water and take a teaspoonful of the mixture four times a day. 
Give a teaspoonful of the preparation containing cascara and 
podophyllin, as directed in the treatment of uraemia, every 
night for three nights, then about twice a week. 

CATARRH OF THE BLADDER OR URINARY ORGANS. 

If there is a catarrhal, mucous, or hemorrhagic or bloody 
discharge from these parts, make a liniment of three ounces of 
each of spirits of camphor and spirits of turpentine, and half 
an ounce of castor oil. Thoroughly mix and apply freely over 
the region of the kidneys morning and evening, or twice a day. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 173 

If the retentions of these materials have been of long du- 
ration, the skin assumes a pale, dirty-yellowish brown, and 
expressionless appearance, and may be dry and hot, or damp, 
flaccid, and more or less sticky to the touch. The offensive 
odor of the breath and sweat is due to the presence of these 
decomposed materials, being in the blood. Digestion and as- 
similation do not go on and loss of strength results. 

This morbid condition may manifest in any age of the 
person's life, and both males and females are subject to it; 
and, this derangement or morbid condition of the urinary 
function is the derangement most frequently met. There is 
not always, not often, pain in the region of the kidneys, but 
there is usually considerable dull, heavy, sluggish sensations, 
and, occasionally a "catch" when bringing the body from a 
sitting or forward posture to the erect. 

If this affection has progressed till several of the symptoms 
I have named are present, or some of them have prominently 
manifested, there is no remedy of which I have learned, that 
has such perfect and quick results in giving immediate relief, 
and so well starting the work of recovery, as a dose of anti- 
bilious physic — nothing. That in one dose (rarely a second 
dose is necessarv to start action) so thorougly eliminates from 
the blood and cavities, these accumulated morbid products, and 
restores normal functional activity, thus placing the system in 
a health restoring condition. A heaped teaspoonful of the 
powder is a dose for an adult, and if alvine action has not 
been seen in two hours and a half, another dose may be taken 
(see remedies in this book). The patient's body should be 
sponge-bathed every second day, using water as warm as can 
well be borne — and a sitz and foot bath should be taken every 
evening, at least till the patient is well on the road to re 
covery. 



174 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

After the above medicine has been seen to act and the al- 
vine action has abated, nutritious food should be supplied, 
and the patient permitted to rest. In six hours after taking 
the above dose, the following may be given : Add half an 
ounce of suga,r of milk to half a pint of water, and give one- 
fourth of this quantity every four hours until it has all been 
taken. Then begin taking the following and continue taking 
till recovery: Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each, three 
ounces; fluid extract of cascara aromatic, one ounce; tincture 
of buchu, half an ounce; and podophyllin, two grains. Mix. 
Shake well the bottle each time before taking a dose. Dose 
for an adult, a teaspoonful. Take a teaspoonful of this mix- 
ture every night just before retiring, for three nights, then con- 
tinue taking it one dose every third or fourth night. 

The treatment may be begun with this remedy, and a cure 
effected. When beginning the treatment with this remedy, give 
a dose every four hours till free alvine action is seen to follow, 
then continue taking it every third or fourth night till restor- 
ation to health is obtained. If the appetite is unduly feeble, 
add one-fourth drachm of tincture of gentian, to the above 
mixture, and mix thoroughly by shaking well the bottle. 

Some of the mild attacks of this affection disperse, and a 
restoration to health ensues, by taking the following mixture : 
Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each, two ounces; fluid 
extract cascara, half an ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre, half an 
ounce ; and tincture of buchu, half an ounce. Mix, and take 
a tablespoonful every night, for three nights, then every fourth 
night, so long as necessary. 

If there are offensive odors clinging about the sweat, and 
breath, add half a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa to half a 
glass of water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture, three 
times a day for two or three days. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 179 

Mix thoroughly, and divide into twelve powders. Give one 
every four hours till free alvine dejections are seen. Then one 
or two powders a week will usually complete the recovery. 

STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA. 

Stricture of the urethra arises from several causes, as pro- 
longed morbid and sluggish condition of the general system, 
and exposure to severe cold, but some of the most obstinate 
cases that are met are the result of morbid habits, are fre- 
quently the result of the destructive work of syphilis. The first 
attacks, however, from whatever cause, are most frequently of 
the paroxysmal type, and if proper treatment is given and pro- 
ducing causes discontinued, the attacks will not only be amel- 
iorated but cease altogether. 

If it is possible to do so, administer a hot water sitz-bath 
of a quarter of an hour duration, keeping the -water as hot as 
can be borne. Give a full dose of the anti-bilious physic (see 
remedies in this book) and if action is not seen in two hours 
and a half, give another dose. Also repeat the sitz-bath, once 
a day usually being sufficiently frequent. 

The above information was given to me by my husband, 
Dr. Joseph Cobb, who has a large and extended experience in 
the treatment of disease. He found the above treatment to 
give the speediest relief of all means in nearly every case. I 
have administered it in some cases, obtaining the same curative 
results. After obtaining the immediate relief, the preparation 
containing cascara and podophyllin, as directed in the treat- 
ment of uraemia, a dose every night may be given for four or 
fivQ nights, then continued for some time, giving a dose every 
third or fourth night. Or the capsules (see remedies in this 
book) may be taken, one every night for three or four nights, 
then twice a week after obtaining the first immediate relief. 



180 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In conditions where there is inability to urinate, and it is 
evident that the bladder is full, if a hot water sitz-bath can 
not be administered, add four drops of tincture of aconite to a 
quart of hot water and administer it as injection per rectum. 
The plain hot water injection alone per rectum, and repeated 
in two or three hours if needed, very frequently proves all that 
is necessary. Five drops of tincture of lobelia in a quart of 
water, and used as injection per rectum, is also efficient in some 
cases. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Some disturbing, irritating sensations, manifest about the 
pelvic region, occasionally proving quite annoying. In a very 
large per cent, of these cases, the condition is due to deficient 
exercise, and deficient excretion, and a general morbid condi- 
tion of the general health. There is usually an impacted colon, 
from long continued constipation of the bowels, or from defi- 
cient excretions from them. A capsule (see remedies in this 
book) taken every night, for three or four nights, and the fol- 
lowing taken during the day will disperse the annoyance: 

Take staphysagrai, one drachm; water, four ounces. Mix, 
and take a teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day. The 
following used as an injection per rectum, at night, before re- 
tiring, serves to hasten recovery : Take water, one half gallon ; 
glycerine, half an ounce ; and witch hazel, one-fourth of an 
ounce. Mix, and use hot. This treatment will give the desired 
relief, when there may be mucous discharges. Continue this 
treatment, and take the hot water sitz-bath once a day. 

This irritated disturbance is frequently due to the presence 
of pin worms. When this is found to be the condition, add 
half an ounce of castor oil, to the above injection, and one 
teaspoonful of spirits of turpentine, and then use as an injec- 
tion per rectum. Once of this injection is usually sufficient. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 177 

Administer the hot water sitz-bath twice a day if the attack 
is severe; if mild, once a day will do. Take a capsule (see rem- 
edies in this book) every three hours, till four or five have been 
given, or till free biliary alvine action is seen to folio w. If there 
is a severe paroxysm of the above affection accompanied with 
intense suffering, administer a dose of the anti-bilious physic 
(see remedies in this book) and apply the liniment more fre- 
quently. Also administer the baths as above directed. 

RETENTION OF URINE. 

In many cases of retention of urine the hot water sitz-bath 
will cause the expulsion. A woolen mat, or rag folded five or 
six thicknesses, squeezed from hot water and vinegar, equal 
parts, and applied over the region of the bladder, changing the 
application sufficiently frequent to keep hot, also produces the 
same result in many cases. Equal parts of spirits of camphor 
and hot water, applied as above, or used as a sitz-bath, gives 
the desired relief in some very stubborn cases of this annoy- 
ance. Withdrawing the urine with a catheter is sometimes 
necessary for temporary relief. A dose of the anti-bilious physic 
rarely fails to give speedy relief in these cases. After the tem- 
porary relief is obtained the capsules (see remedies in this book) 
should be given, one every third night, and continued for some 
time. 

STRANGUARY. 

Stranguary is a symptom of some morbid condition usually 
of inflammation. The condition giving off this symptom may 
arise from various causes that may produce inflammation or 
irritation. A general morbid condition of the system may give 
rise to it; also, large doses of cantharides, and large doses of 
turpentine are said to produce it, though its prime cause is 



178 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

doubtless closely associated with those producing stricture gen- 
erally. 

Its manifesting symptom or characteristic, is the frequent 
desire to urinate, the urine being voided in drops or small quan- 
tities, and pain associated in the parts. 

The speediest relief is obtained from the taking of anti- 
bilious physic, and the camphorated hot water sitz-bath, 
named in the treatment of stricture. The bath should con- 
tinue for twenty or thirty minutes, and should be re- 
peated twice a day, if the case is severe. Simply hot water 
used for the bath will do, but the other serves best to 
quickly disperse inflammation. A bag of woolen fabric filled 
with bran, and moistened -with the camphorated water, and 
applied over the region of the bladder and well down between 
the limbs, serves a good purpose, but not quite so well as the 
sitz-bath. The preparation containing cascara and podophyllin, 
directed in the treatment of uraemia, given as there directed, 
will continue restoration to recovery. The patient must be 
kept quiet and comfortably warm. 

If the stranguary resulted from taking cantharides, a dis- 
continuance of taking it, and the hot water sitz-baths, together 
with rest will soon restore to normal, without other treatment, 
but usually there is some other cause. A hot water injection 
per rectum is followed by the desired result, in many cases. 
Ten drops of tincture of lobelia added to a quart of hot water 
and administered as injection per rectum has given speedy 
relief. 

In cases of children there may be the presence of worms as 
an augmenting and irritating factor. When such is suspicioned 
to be the condition the following may be given: Take a heaped 
tablespoonful of sulphur, half of an even teaspoonful of ginger; 
santonine, two grains; and podophyllin, one-eighth of a grain. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 179 

Mix thoroughly, and divide into twelve powders. Give one 
every four hours till free alvine dejections are seen. Then one 
or two powders a week will usually complete the recovery. 

STRICTURE OF THE URETHRA. 

Stricture of the urethra arises from several causes, as pro- 
longed morbid and sluggish condition of the general system, 
and exposure to severe cold, but some of the most obstinate 
cases that are met are the result of morbid habits, are fre- 
quently the result of the destructive work of syphilis. The first 
attacks, however, from whatever cause, are most frequently of 
the paroxysmal type, and if proper treatment is given and 
producing causes discontinued, the attacks will not only be 
ameliorated but cease altogether. 

If it is possible to do so, administer a hot water sitz-bath 
of a quarter of an hour duration, keeping the water as hot as 
can be borne. Give a full dose of the anti-bilious physic (see 
remedies in this book) and if action is not seen in two hours 
and a half, give another dose. Also repeat the sitz-bath, once 
a day usually being sufficiently frequent. 

The above information was given to me by my husband, 
Dr. Joseph Cobb, who had a large arid extended experience in 
the treatment of disease. He found the above treatment to 
give the speediest relief of all means in nearly every case. I 
have administered it in some cases, obtaining the same curative 
results. After obtaining the immediate relief, the preparation 
containing cascara and podophyllin, as directed in the treat- 
ment of uraemia, a dose every night may be given for four or 
five nights, then continued for some time, giving a dose every 
third or fourth night. Or the capsules (see remedies in this 
book) may be taken, one every night for three or four nights, 
then twice a week after obtaining the first immediate relief. 



180 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In conditions where there is inability to urinate, and it is 
evident that the bladder is full, if a hot water sitz-bath can 
not be administered, add four drops of tincture of aconite to a 
quart of hot water and administer it as injection per rectum. 
The plain hot water injection alone per rectum, and repeated 
in two or three hours if needed, very frequently proves all that 
is neceseary. Five drops of tincture of lobelia in a quart of 
water, and used as injection per rectum, is also efficient in 
some cases. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Some disturbing, irritating sensations, manifest about the 
pelvic region, occasionally proving quite annoying. In a very 
large per cent, of these cases, the condition is due to deficient 
exercise, and deficient excretion, and a general morbid condi- 
tion of the general health. There is usually an impacted colon, 
from long continued constipation of the bowels, or from defi- 
cient excretions from them. A capsule (see remedies in this 
book) taken every night, for three or four nights, and the 
following taken during the day will disperse the annoyance: 

Take staphysagrai, one drachm ; water, four ounces. Mix, 
and take a teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day. The 
following used as an injection per rectum, at night, before re- 
tiring, serves to hasten recovery : Take water, one half gallon ; 
glycerine, half an ounce ; and witch hazel, one-fourth of an 
ounce. Mix, and use hot. This treatment will give the desired 
relief, when there may be mucous discharges. Continue this 
treatment, and take the hot water sitz-bath once day. 

This irritated disturbance is frequently due to the presence 
of pin worms. When this is found to be the condition, add 
half an ounce of castor oil, to the above injection, and one 
teaspoonful of spirits of turpentine, and then use as an injec- 
tion per rectum. Once of this injection is usually sufficient. 



GFNERAL DISEASES. 181 

Occasionally there appears great pain in the region of the 
kidneys, which is slightly relieved after passing urine, or a 
dull pain in the same region increasing as the bladder is filling, 
and an unpleasant abdominal fullness. Apply the liniment 
directed in the treatment of catarrh of the bladder. Give a 
capsule at night, and during the day take the following : Take 
lycopodium, three drops, in a little water, three times a day. 

For the child that cries during urination, and after, till it is 
"washed off, and exhibits excoriations, relief and cure will usually 
be obtained by giving the following: Take podophyllin, one 
grain; sugar of milk, twenty grains; and santonine, two 
grains. Thoroughly mix and divide into twenty powders. To 
a child one year old, give one powder every night, or every 
second or third night till cured. To a child from three to 
seven years years old, give a powder every twelve hours, till 
betterment is secured, which usually results from the second 
or third powder. 

INCONTINENCE. 

This manifestation of morbidness may appear at any age, 
but it usually manifests in childhood, and senility. I have not 
found cases in senility difficult to yield to treatment, though 
there are, doubtless, obstinate cases met in advanced age. 
Many of the cases met in childhood prove most obstinate to 
cure. This is partly due to the great difficulty of getting in- 
structions carried out. These are very tedious and wearing 
cases, the care necessary in treating them being considerable. 

It is largely believed that the condition is a sequela to 
measles or scarlet fever, but it is very doubtful whether the 
manifestation is due to these causes any more than to any 
other debilitating cause. Some suppose that it is due to a dis- 
position to be filthy, but such is not the case. These sufferers 



182 • THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

are sensitive to offensiveness of condition, and deplore it as 
keenly as any one. 

It is due to a condition of disease, and it is rare that habit 
is an influencing cause, and when it is, it is when the child is 
first being deprived of its breech-cloth. When such is the case, 
a little watchfulness and reminding from the attendant breaks 
the habit. 

In all other conditions there is a flaccid, atonic condition 
of the system, and the system at no time appears to be well 
nourished. There is more or less dropsical manifestation over 
the body, and this by the ordinary observer is considered to 
indicate a well nourished condition, but such is not the case. 
The system is much debilitated. If the condition continues for 
much length of time, the patient becomes dull, stupid, and fre- 
quently the legs become not only slow to move, but stiff. 

The presence of pin worms, or the long, flat worms, will 
cause incontinence that will persist in recurring for months or 
even years, if the body is not freed from them, and the general 
health built up. To discover if this is the cause, great watch- 
fulness and questioning are necessary. The presence of pin worms 
may be detected by some being found in the child's clothes or 
on the bed dressing in the morning, or may be found in the 
stools, or, there is an irritated or itching manifestation about 
the rectum. If the larger worms are present, the child will fre- 
quently be distressed in its sleep, will mutter, chew and attempt 
to swallow, usually with a choking sensation. 

When the incontinence is due to the presence of worms, the 
powder I have directed given to children for retention of urine, 
given as there directed, will cure most cases. While taking the 
above powders, also give the following: Take tincture of bel- 
ladonna, ten drops; water, four ounces. Mix and give a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture three times a day. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 183 

It is evident that the same remedy will not cure every case, 
neither will every case alike as promptly get well by any means. 
Some are slow to get 'well, while others get well very quickly 
and even when symptoms appear equally severe in both. The 
writer has had success from giving not one dozen doses of med- 
icine, and has had other cases that required four months and 
a half faithful watching. The best and quickest results ob- 
tained by the writer were from giving podophyllin (see reme- 
dies in this book), and thlapsi bursa. The podophyllin was 
given just frequently enough to regulate the action of the bow- 
els. The thlapsi bursa was given to a child nine years old, 
five drops in a spoonful of water three times a day, the last 
dose being just before going to bed at night. 

An alcohol vapor bath administered once a week, has 
proved curative. The following has given the desired tonic con- 
dition to the system necessary to cure : Tincture of wild cherry 
bark, two ounces ; tincture of golden seal, one ounce ; tincture 
of prickly ash berries, one ounce; tincture of gentian, one 
drachm ; and glycerine and simple syrup, of each three ounces. 
Mix and give a teaspoonful three times a day. This has over- 
come some obstinate cases. 

A teaspoonful of soda added to half a glass of water, and 
a teaspoonful of this mixture given three times a day, is re- 
ported by good authority to have cured some cases. 

Dr. E. R. Waterhouse is reported to have given tincture of 
arnica, from fiYt to ten drops added to four ounces of water, 
and a teaspoonful of this mixture given three times a day, and 
to have cured incontinence in both the aged and children. 

Sleeping with the hips elevated has cured some cases. I 
have had speedy success from giving thuga, ten drops added 
to four ounces of water, and having a teaspoonful of this mix- 
ture given three times a day. 



184 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

These patients must be well clothed and well nourished, or 
all efforts are ineffectual. 

STONE IN THE BLADDER, OR URINARY CALCULI. 

Calculus formations in the human body, of proportions to 
cause sufferings and obstructions, especially in early life, are 
not of frequent occurrence. When such condition exists, it is 
due to deficient excretions, and these materials being present 
in the economy, both from degeneration and excess, if not 
eliminated and excreted, may accumulate in such abnormal 
size as to cause distress. Their presence is not spontaneous, 
but requires time for formation — at least of any perceptible 
proportions. These formations, if they should exist, have the 
most favorable conditions for forming in the bladder to which 
destination these materials are carried in solution, and where 
they might precipitate, forming what is called urinary calculi, 
stone in the bladder, and gravel. And the period of life when 
the conditions are most favorable for its formation, is in the 
decline of life, when the functions of the economy of the body 
are imperfectly performed, which is due to increasing degener- 
acy, looking to final dissolution. 

If the excretions are kept normally active, however, ab- 
normal accumulations wall have but little if any opportunity 
to accumulate in any place in the bodily economy. 

Many ailments or sufferings associated in both the regions 
of the gall-duct, liver, and bladder, are due to congestions and 
inflammation instead of the above formations, and to what is 
called, in the old fashioned parlance, a condition of ' 'bilious- 
ness." 

For immediate relief from paroxysmal attack of suffering, 
the hot water sitz-bath administered and continued for half 
an hour is efficient. Take acetate of potassium, one drachm; 
water, four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mix- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 185 

ture four times a day. Take a tablespoonful of the mixture 
containing cascara and podophyllin directed in the treatment 
of uraemia, every night, for eight or ten nights, then take a 
dose every third night. The sulphur mixture named in the 
treatment of gall-stone, serves well in some of these cases, but 
its action is somewhat slower, yet it is effective. 

Hydrangia, also called the seven barks, and the nine barks, 
has been recommended as being efficient for curing this condi- 
tion. The preparation being a strong tea (an ounce of the 
root to a pint of water) and a teaspoonful of the tea given 
three times a day, to an adult. 

Hydrangia, three drops, three times a day, has also been 
claimed to be efficient. 

Tartaric acid, fifteen grains, added to ten ounces of water, 
a wine glassful of the mixture taken three times a day, has 
been recommended to disperse stone in the bladder. 

It is said that smart weed tea and gin has caused the ex- 
pulsion of gravel in large quantities in twelve hours after 
taking: A handful of smart weed (probably an ounce) to a 
pint of boiling water, taken with a gill of gin. The dose 
might be divided, probably, making four or two doses, and 
perhaps taking a dose twice a day would serve the purpose. 

WORMS. 

Disturbances caused by the presence of worms in the human 
body are met with in all ages. Numbers of years do not ex- 
empt from these annoyers, though sometimes mistakes are made 
in deciding the presence of worms. Many of the symptoms 
that have been interpreted as indicative of the presence of 
worms are symptoms of morbid conditions of the urinary func- 
tions and indigestion only. Though there are some symptoms 
in any single one of the above named afflictions that manifest 



186 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

in all three, and, as neither affection exists without there being 
more or less disturbance of the entire system, yet, by carefully 
watching, the presence of worms can be detected. 

The term ascarides is applied to those small worms infect- 
ing the rectum ; they are also sometimes called seat- worms, 
and pin-worms. There is no doubt but that this variety is of 
most frequent presence. Their presence is generally known by 
the passage of some of them, and their presence may be sus- 
pected when there is persistent itching about the rectum, or 
other continued irritable nervousness. Also when piles manifest 
there is no doubt but their presence is, in some cases, the true 
cause, as well as being the cause of so many other rectal dis- 
turbances. My own observation helps me to form this conclu- 
sion. There are many exhibitions of these annoyers that are 
most obstinate to yield up their habitation, necessitating a 
hard fought tussle to dislodge them, even by the best known 
remedies and the most persistent application of them. 

How worms come to inhabit the system in the human body 
is not known. Many causes or means of introduction of them 
into the system have been theorized on and various ideas given, 
but nothing is definitely known. It has been supposed that 
they are introduced into the system or body by eating animal 
flesh, but that theory explodes when it is known to those of 
observation and experience in treating these cases that these 
parasites are found disturbing patients who do not eat animal 
flesh. One thing is quite certain, they are not found annoying 
healthy people ; when any variety of them appears it is in sub- 
jects whose general health is much impaired. At least, if a per- 
son is in good health these parasites do not manifest annoy- 
ingly. 

Usually the following powder will disperse them when pres- 
ent : Take sugar of milk, forty grains ; santonine, two grains ; 



GENERAL DISEASES. 187 

podophyllin, one grain. Thoroughly rub together and 
divide into ten powders. Give one powder at night just 
before going to bed, and the remaining powders, one three 
times a day. The next morning before taking any breakfast, 
take a dose of the anti-bilious physic. 

A pint of boiling water, added to two ounces of soot, let 
it stand to settle, then drain off the clear liquid, and use one- 
half of the quantity at one time, as injection per rectum, re- 
peating the injection every day, for several days, is reported 
to be effectual in removing pin worms. 

Also, a strong spear mint tea, half a pint drunk morning 
and evening, and a pint of the tea used as injection per rectum, 
repeating the injections every day, is said to disperse them. 

One-fourth of an ounce of spirits of turpentine, mixed in 
half an ounce of castor oil, and added to a pint of hot water, 
and this used as injection as above, has proved effectual in 
dislodging the pin worms. About the external and immediate 
internal rectal parts may be anointed with castor oil or vase- 
line, and thus protecting them from the turpentine, as its 
contact with the inner parts gives no disturbance. 

The following powder was recommended by its author, 
Prof. John King, M. D., to be efficient in removing any variety 
of worm that exists in the alimentary canal : Take of white 
Indian hemp, pink root, mandrake, bitter-root, of each, in 
powder, two ounces, and socretine aloes, in powder four 
scruples. Thoroughly mix. For a child a year old, place a 
teaspoonful of the powder in a gill of molasses and mix. Give 
a teaspoonful of this mixture every two or three hours till free 
alvine dejections are seen. Dose for adults, a tablespoonful of 
the mixture, given the same frequency as above. 



188 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

WORMS.-THE TAPE WORM. 

The presence of tape worm is always known by appear- 
ance of portion of it passing with the feces, or there may be 
pieces of it found in the clothing, or on the bed clothing that 
may have passed in the night. 

The following remedy has been successfully used for many 
years by many physicians, for removing the tape worm; also 
both my husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb, and myself, have used it 
successfully, in removing the tape worm : Place half a pound 
of bark of pomegranate root, in an earthen ware vessel, pour 
over it two pints and a half of boiling water and let it stand 
in a warm place for two hours, then boil it till only half of 
the fluid remains. Remove it from the fire and strain it while 
it is hot. To every six ounces of this decoction, or tea, add 
one drachm of fluid extract of jallap and five drops of oil of 
anise, or fifteen drops of essence of peppermint if preferred. 
Six ounces of this mixture is a dose for an adult. 

Before giving the above it serves the best, if a dose of the 
anti-bilious physic is given and permitted to complete its 
action. After the action of this remedy has subsided, give six 
ounces of bark tea, and in two hours and a half, if the worm 
has not been seen to appear, another dose of the tea may be 
given. 

Also, the following is said to be safe, speedy, and effectual : 
Take kousso, the flowers in powder, four drachms ; place it in 
an earthen ware vessel, pour over it three-fourths of a pint of 
boiling water and permit it to steep for fifteen or twenty min- 
utes. It may be taken all at one dose, or half of it taken, 
wait an hour and then take the remainder. The dose of anti- 
bilious physic should be taken as in the former case. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 189 

The bark tea, and the kousso preparation must be taken 
hot, or cold, as by taking either of them warm, vomiting is 
likely to follow. 

Margossian is reported in the Philadelphia Med. Jour., as 
having given half an ounce of oleoresin of male fern, at one 
sitting, for the removal of the tape worm, with the result that 
the head and entire length was expelled within two hours. 

The writer is of the opinion that in one case which she 
was directing, that the removal of the worm was the result 
of giving the capsules (see remedies in this book), in which 
active catharsis was produced. 

When pin worms are present, the presence of tape worm 
may be suspected. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART. 

The heart is subject to disturbances and abnormalities some- 
what proportionate with other parts of the body. Though it 
has much less rest than any other part, or vital organ in the 
economy, it is less frequently the seat of disease than is gener- 
ally supposed. Its condition is influenced by the condition of 
the general health and the state of the mind. 

The function of the heart is peculiarly distinctive — differing 
much from the functions of other vital organs: It receives and 
expels the blood, but makes no chemical change in its compo- 
sition, hence does not affect nutrition, or elimination. Its 
force must be generated in the laboratory of nutrition, and the 
activity and harmony of its function is influenced by the con- 
dition of the blood conveyed to its sanctum. 

Its structures are renewed and its detritus disposed of, in 
the same way as is effected in the structures of the other parts 
of the body. The condition of the tissues or structures of the 
remainder of the body gives conclusive evidence of the condition 
of the structure or tissues of the heart. 



190 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In the condition termed ' 'fatty degeneration of the heart," 
the general tissues will be found far advanced in the condition 
of adipocere — death, and the heart is only partaking in what 
the whole system or body is undergoing — is dying. In this con- 
dition, fat, natural, living fat, has certainly exhausted its 
power to live — has lived its life limit. Fat to a certain stage 
is living, is alive, but beyond that it is undoubtedly degeneracy, 
and in condition of fatty degeneracy of the heart, there is fatty 
degeneracy of the body, the component parts other than fat, 
by decay or putrefaction also being destroyed. The condition 
must either be attributed to excessive nutrition and deficient 
elimination progressed to a degree to either exhaust or smoth- 
er out, as it were, vitality in the parts, or, to complete death 
by having consumed its limit of power to continue life, hence 
is dead — a natural dead, as we might term it. 

And so in conditions of dropsy, extreme impoverishment 
exists throughout the system — the forces let go, as it were, a 
flaccid condition manifests, and the fluid having no force to 
bind or confine it in the right channel, exudes, or like an un- 
controlled child, "goes where it pleases," and like the child, to 
the greatest degree, goes wrong. 

If we can overcome this condition, which must be done by 
promoting normal elimination, excretion and wholesome nutri- 
tion, we cure the patient ; if we cannot do this, the system not 
being supplied with the necessaries for continuance of life, death 
must ensue. This embodies the only reliable way and means 
of rectifying abnormal conditions of the heart, and remedies, 
habits and nutritions that give, or favor, the above results are 
our remedies to cure "heart disease", no matter of what type. 

Remedies that excite, stimulate or depress directly must be 
strictlv discarded. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 191 

Anything that deranges the general health will proportion- 
ately annoy the heart, as nervous prostration, lack of sufficient 
repose — rest, indigestion, improper food, hard work continued 
to prostration, or heavy work producing strain, occupations 
which give unsatisfactory results, aggravation, vexation and 
discontent, emaciation of the body, as in dropsy or great fee- 
bleness, uneliminated and retained excretions, venereal excesses, 
drinking alcoholic beverages, using tobacco and morphine. 
These explain sufficiently for general purposes, and if looked 
after carefully life will go on fairly smooth so far as the heart 
is concerned. 

The heart being hidden from view, knowledge by inspection 
cannot be obtained, hence the sensations experienced by the 
patient, and oscultation, and perhaps by percussion, must be 
the principal means of detecting the existence of the disease af- 
fecting the heart; and to be able to do this requires long and 
careful study, observation and experience, and even then the 
greatest mistakes are made, as symptoms are very misleading. 
And, also, to single out many of the abnormal behaviors at- 
tributed to the heart requires a high-degree-magnifying lens of 
the imagination to detect. The animal heart or physical heart 
pursues a fairly steady gait, notwithstanding the moral heart 
is exceedingly tricky, fearfully deceptive and desperately wicked. 

The smothering sensations, and apparent fullness, and de- 
pressed feeling about the heart are due to the vitiating influ- 
ences of effete materials remaining in the blood, chiefly that 
portion which should be eliminated by the urinary channels, 
augmented by undigested, decomposing substances, causing gas- 
eous accumulations, which may have entered the circulation. 
This condition, together with feebleness, causes palpitation and 
fainting, though worrying, undue excitement, sudden grief, or 
perplexities, may provoke an attack. 



192 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A paroxysmal attack of the above named manifestation is 
relieved by the administration of the following : Take mix vom- 
ica, five drops ; water, four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture every ten minutes, in cases of severity, for 
the first hour, changing the time for giving the dose to two 
hours, as betterment ensues. 

Digitalis five drops, added to four ounces of water, and a 
teaspoonful of the mixture given every hour, in severe paroxysms, 
for three or four hours, then continuing every two hours so 
long as needed, serves a good purpose in many of these condi- 
tions of palpitations. When giving this remedy every two 
hours, it may be given alternately with giving the nux vomica 
during the day. 

If there is a fetid odor about the breath or sweat, a full, 
smothering sensation about the heart, the skin a pale, dirty- 
ashen hue, give a dose of the anti-bilious physic. This remedy 
is moderately cathartic, and diuretic, and is a most elegant 
eliminator of the obnoxious abnormalities from the circulation 
and cavities, and gives a most speedy and lasting relief. After 
this powder has been administered, let the patient remain quiet, 
and give no other medicine for thirty-six hours, but the digi- 
talis mixture, which may be given twice daily. 

The capsules (see remedies in this book) taken as directed 
in remedies, frequently prove all the medicine needed in many 
of these cases. In cases where dropsical manifestations appear, 
the following remedy serves the desired purpose in curable cases : 
Take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, two heaped table- 
spoonfuls; podophyllin, half a grain. Thoroughly mix, and 
divide into thirty powders. Give a powder, dry, or mixed in 
honey, sufficiently frequent to produce about three alvine dejec- 
tions dailv. 

Sherry wine and glycerine, of each, half a pint ; tincture of 
gentian, one drachm; tincture of taraxacum, three drachms. Mix, 



GENERAL DISEASES. 193 

and give a teaspoonful of the mixture three times a day. This 
has a tonic alterative action, and is valuable in conditions of 
feebleness and when a mild action is most desirable. 

HEART-BURN. 

The term heart-burn, as commonly applied to an abnormal 
manifestation, is a name a little out of place, no such disease 
being yet discovered as heart-burn. The disturbance given the 
above name, is not due to heart-lesion, but to the gastric dis- 
turbance of digestion. The uneasy sensation of the heart and 
the acrimony experienced about the pit of the stomach are due 
to the fermented and decomposing foods in the stomach. The 
foods not having been properly digested, assume a fermented 
condition, producing acid — the gastric juices sometimes turning 
unduly acid. This condition may and does arise from "bilious- 
ness," or from a debilitated condition of the stomach. 

Alcoholic beverages will produce this condition, as also, 
hemorrhage from the stomach. It is also kept up by smoking 
and chewing tobacco. When these habits are present, they 
must be discontinued. There is usually a fullness or distended 
feeling in the stomach, the eructations are acid, and the fluids 
ejected from the stomach produce a sensation of scalding. 
When this is present, usually the stomach is empty; when this 
is the condition, keeping the patient quiet, and giving of hot 
water, to which a few drops of essence of peppermint have 
been added, frequently proves all that is necessary, in addition 
to prohibiting foods for twelve or twenty-four hours. 

At the expiration of that time, should the distress continue 
in the stomach, a dose of salts may be given. Should recur- 
rence persist, give the mixture containing podophyllin and 
cascara, directed in the treatment of uraemia, as there directed. 

7- 



194 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

"BILIOUS VOMITING." 

Frequently when this condition exhibits, when the stomach 
gets empty from the vomiting, the vomiting will stop. When 
it does not do so, give an injection of hot water, and keep 
the patient quiet in the recumbent position, and the attack 
will usually pass off. Half an ounce of glycerine added to a 
pint of water used for the injection, gives a better result. A 
few sups of hot water, hot as can possibly be supped, will 
frequently check the vomiting, or a few sups of peach tree 
bark tea, or hot tea, such as used at the table. Also a hot 
water bath to the feet and legs. The injection should be re- 
peated if alvine action is not seen to follow the first injection 
soon, but the stomach must remain undisturbed as much as 
possible, at least for thirty-six to forty-eight hours. A capsule 
(see remedies in this book) given every night for three nights, 
then twice a week so long as needed, will place the system 
right, also prevent its return. 

EPILEPSY. 

Epilepsy, or falling sickness, exhibits by the subject sud- 
denly falling, and loss of the senses ; there may or may not be 
contortions, and as the paroxysm declines the patient usually 
falls to sleep, or inclines to. It may end in complete insanity. 
There are usually premonitory symptoms of an attack, as in- 
creased nervousness, heavy pain, full or dizzy sensation in the 
head, or mental disturbance. Though the disturbance may 
manifest at any age, it usually manifests in childhood, or 
early youth, and both sexes supply its victims. 

Puberty is not productive of it, though this disease may, 
as some other morbid conditions which may be present in the 
system at the developing or continuing of puberty, may in- 
crease in severity, or, may disappear altogether, which is due 
to the system either progressing in decline from the new duties 



GENERAL DISEASES. 195 

involved upon it, or, the turning point, permitting the system 
to increase in strength and thus become able to throw off the 
old environments of abnormality. 

Its manifestation may be due to various causes. It may 
be due to mechanical injury, to sexual excesses of one or both 
parents especially during gestation, to various personal habits, 
to smoking and chewing tobacco, to drinking intoxicants, to 
excessive coffee drinking, to "biliousness" and persistent slug- 
gish excretions, as constipated bowels and deficient uric elim- 
inations, or it may be congenital — a species of checked devel- 
opment, or hereditary diathesis. 

If its presence is due to the two first named causes, there 
is but little encouragement to hope for betterment, or, if due 
to checked development of vital forces — the powers or forces 
necessary to good digestion, assimilation, and excretion. If it 
is acquired — due to some habit of the patient, the leaving off 
of the predisposing habit, and restoring bodily health, will 
effect a cure. But even cases of the last named causes, the 
condition may have continued till the vital energies are de- 
stroyed. 

It is useless to attempt a cure or even a betterment till 
the habits promoting the disease are eliminated — left off. No 
progress in cure or betterment can be made while drinking 
intoxicants, smoking or chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes, 
taking morphine, and other vicious habits are indulged in. 
After the bad habits are discontinued, treatment to effect and 
establish healthy elimination and excretion, digestion, and 
to continue to perfect a cure may be begun. 

The body should be sponge-bathed two or three times a 
week. In curable cases the following gives satisfaction fre- 
quently: Take glycerine, four ounces; olive oil, two ounces; 



196 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

and sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce. Mix, and (to an adult) 
give a teaspoonful of this mixture, three times a day. 

Dr. Goss, recommended sweet clover, to cure epilepsy, 
spasm, and convulsions. For children, from one to two drops, 
three times a day, and for adults, from five to six drops, also 
three times a day. 

FEVERS 

In almost every disturbance the human body is subject to, 
there exhibits a condition called fever, a rise of temperature, 
proportionately accompanied by, or preceded and accompanied 
by excessive destruction of tissue, and deficient renewal— defi- 
cient repair — deficient nutrition, and, perversion and derange- 
ment of functional activity of the excretory organs. 

While there are various manifesting prominent features 
to which various names have been given, as typhoid fever, ty- 
phus fever, yellow fever, lung fever, pneumonia fever, malarial 
fever, etc., the essential nature is the same, the four stages or 
conditions of progress accompanying all types, no matter by 
what name it may be designated. In all ca c es there exhibits 
the coming down period ; the stage of invasion, dominance or 
duration ; and the decline. The coming down period is marked 
by the enfeebling of the general health — frequently manifesting 
so gradually as to be quite unnoticeable for considerable time. 
The period of duration or dominance, in its earlier manifestings, 
the increasing heat or rise of temperature is internal, the sur- 
face remaining cold and pale, especially the feet and hands, the 
patient realizing a sense of chilliness, or rigors or shiverings; 
continuing, the surface becomes hot and dry — heat appears in 
place of shiverings and more or less restlessness exhibits. The 
decline begins to manifest by a lessening of the above symptoms, 
a lowering of temperature, a soft and less frequent pulse, and 
a return to normal conditions generally ; the appetite, and func- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 197 

tional excretory activities appearing — these conditions following 
or exhibiting as the excretory functions manifest or are re- 
established, which is evident by the sweating or evacuations 
which present immediately preceding or accompanying this 
change. 

The beginning of this period is generally called a crisis, es- 
pecially when it appears abrupt. In proportion as the coming 
down period was gradual, or somewhat sudden, the decline of 
the fever, or recovering period usually appears to progress sim- 
ilarly. The vital energies, or powers of endurance may be so 
far exhausted that death may take place in any of these recog- 
nized periods, or stages. 

Every age has its researchers attempting to penetrate the 
essential nature of fevers, and various theories are advanced 
which are vague and unsatisfactory. Every atom in the body 
has that constant tendency to revert back to its original ele- 
ment, "the dust to dust," or to expire by limitation of its time 
for endurance as matter or material of the human body. This 
condition is constantly going on. When the repairative pro- 
cesses are in harmony, or are performing their proper activity 
proportionately with the above tendency, and the excretory 
organs are removing from the economy of the body the pro- 
ducts of this degeneracy, that equilibrium is maintained which 
is necessary for continuing life and preserving health. To a 
morbid condition or derangement of these functions is due the 
condition which exists in these conditions we term fever, is the 
opinion of the writer, and, to remove, favor or restore health, 
excretions must be established, nutrition promoted, and exces- 
sive degeneracy checked. 

Unfavorable symptoms in any type of fever are constant 
depression of the powers of the mind, delirium, stertorous 
breathing, deep and profound sleep, especially if prolonged, 



198 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

copious sweating, great exhaustion and debility, continued 
twitching of the tendons, hemorrhage from the stomach or bow- 
els, immoderate and continued discharges from the bowels, 
and excessive swellings of the abdomen. 

TYPHOID FEVER. 

In conditions of disease generally termed typhoid fever, 
there exhibits great degeneracy, usually of long continuance, 
the vital energies are feeble, and there may or may not be 
eruption over the body. Many of its most prominent symp- 
toms are equally prominent in pulmonary consumption, dropsy, 
scarlet fever, the sore throat called diphtheria, cerebro spinal 
meningitis and croup; as great prostration, of the entire sys- 
tem, stupefaction and drowsiness, tongue coated white with 
red pappila protruding, followed by yellow-brown coating in 
the center, especially at the base, and the edges red and shin- 
ing; breath fetid, frequently stinking, intense heat of the skin, 
usually dry — occasionally a clammy moisture; there is fever, 
pulse high, excretions not well performed, excessive waste, and 
deficient nutrition, the mind frequently wanders and there are 
incoherent mutterings. There is more or less nervousness, the 
nerves becoming quite delirious, and this condition sometimes 
is found to prolong even when recovery in all other ways 
seems quite perfect. 

Persons in any locality may be affected with it, and at 
any age. Any influences that depress or exhaust the energies 
of the economy of the body predispose to this manifestation 
of disease, as hard labor, mental or manual, the depressing 
influence of excessive heat, deficient nutrition, and uncongenial 
environments, thus constantly keeping the person in a state 
of mental depression which prevents even the most wholesome 
foods from digesting and nourishing. Cases sometimes are 
met in which the causes are not readily singled out. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 199 

The presence of the disease is not due to contagion, nor 
yet, not wholly to filthy surroundings, but to undue degen- 
eracy of the body, and the poisons from this degeneracy and 
the unexcreted effete materials of the body's self— to the sewer 
gases within the body, rather, than to the sewer gases with- 
out the body. 

Especially during the acme of the attack the body should 
be sponge-bathed every day, using the hot water for this 
purpose. Two drachms of each, of essence of peppermint and 
spirits of camphor, added to a gallon of water used for this 
purpose, much improve the benefit derived. 

The following gives the kindly result in favoring the estab- 
ment of secretion and excretion, dispersing fever, and promot- 
ing digestion: Take olive oil, and water, of each, two ounces; 
glycerine, four ounces and polymnia uvedalia, two drachms. 
Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture four times 
a day. Much relief is experienced from the first, in 
taking this mixture, and the excretions begin to perform 
early; the dull, "deep-sodden achings" disperse, and there 
is a lessening of tension and heat, and also, more restfulness 
disposes. If there has been constipation of the bowels, this 
remedy may be given, a teaspoonful every three hours, till 
alvine action is seen. But the writer prefers to give this rem- 
edy as above directed, and to hasten alvine dejections by the 
hot water injections per rectum. To a pint of the water used, 
add half an ounce of glycerine, and repeat the injection in three 
hours if necessary. 

Usually the hot water spongings and frequent sups of hot 
water will control the delirium, especially till the systematic 
effect from the above remedy is obtained. The hot water in- 
creases the eliminating function of the kidneys, favors a better 



200 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

condition of the stomach, and gives sedation to the nervous 
excitation. 

Five drops of tincture of aconite, added to four ounces of 
water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given every one, or two 
hours, appears to aid in allaying the fever in some cases. Gen- 
erally, however, the fever is imperceptibly controlled by the 
above remedies till the excretions are somewhat normally mani- 
festing. 

For checking the hemorrhagic disposition, there is no rem- 
edy of which I know that equals the following : Essence of 
cinnamon, half a drachm ; oil of erigeron, ten drops. Mix, and 
give the dose on sugar, or in syrup sufficient. The dose may 
be repeated in twenty minutes, half an hour or longer time as 
needed. 

Ten drops of spirits of turpentine given each morning dur- 
ing the acme of the fever, is of great advantage. Its action is 
rapid, speedily increasing the eliminating function of the urinary 
tract, thus removing depression; it removes dryness from the 
mouth and nausea from the stomach, kindly influences the mu- 
cous and serous linings of the intestinal tract, checks the gen- 
eration of gas, and if present, it disperses it. 

The following serves a good tonic and alterative purpose: 
Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces ; tincture of 
gentian, one-fourth of a drachm ; tincture of golden seal, half 
an ounce ; tincture of prickly ash berries, half an ounce ; glyc- 
erine, three ounces, and simple S}^rup, one ounce. Mix, and give 
a teaspoonful three times a day. This mixture promotes 
recuperation. 

Malt with pepsin and pancreatin, a tablespoonful given 
three times a day before meals, kindly promotes the appetite 
and digestion in some cases. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 201 

The following serves well in favoring recovery: Take sim- 
ple syrup and glycerine, of each two ounces ; chionanthus, four 
drachms; tincture of golden seal, two drachms; dioscorea vil., 
fifteen drops; tincture of buchu and sweet spirits of nitre, of 
each half an ounce; fluid extract cascara aromatic, one ounce; 
and fluid extract of ginger, two drachms. Mix. Give a tea- 
spoonful three times a day. 

This is an excellent preparation to give in cases where there 
is great loss of strength, and emaciation following fevers of 
anv kind, and serves well in these cases of fever. 

Kava kava, two drachms added to three ounces of water, 
a teaspoonful of the mixture given twice a day serves to in- 
crease the urinary activity, and also improves the appetite. 

Dr. Owen W. Paget, of Freemantle, South Australia, in an 
issue of the Lancet claimed to have treated over one hundred 
cases of typhoid fever with no other remedy than olive oil, 
without a death. He gave from five to ten ounces in the form 
of an enema, every twelve to twenty-four hours for the first 
five or six days. After that, every second or third day, or, if 
the bowels were regular, left off entirely. When the bowels did 
not respond by injections he gave a teacupful at breakfast, by 
mouth. The properties of the olive oil are, it is nutritive, quite 
easily digested and mildly laxative, thus meeting several of the 
prime requirements in curing typhoid fever, namely, nutrition 
easy of appropriation and an agreeable aid to the function of 
excretion. 

There can be no unchangeable line of feeding directed for 
these patients. Most frequently the patient's desires are the 
correct guide; and while patients in this impoverished condi- 
tion of body sometimes exhibit singular freaks of appetite and 
desires for food, yet it is usually best to guardedly satisfy these 
desires or inclinations. The writer is of the opinion that it is 



202 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a grave mistake to confine these patients entirely to milk, as is 
done by many, and has long since made the list of forbidables 
to consist of fried and greasy dishes, pie, cakes, soups, cucum- 
ber pickles, coffee and whiskey and its kind of stimulants, occa- 
sionally permitting the coffee and a taste of the cucumber pick- 
les out of list. The patient must not be permitted to over- 
gorge, and the eating serves best when confined to the three 
times a day. 

Cow's milk, and also Horlick's Malted milk, may be per- 
mitted when the patient desires this at the meal. 

CEREBRO-SPINAL MENENGITIS.— SPOTTED FEVER. 

A manifestation of disease, given the above names by some 
authors, by others, typhus cincopalis or sinking fever, malignant 
fever, and typhoides, is the type of disease commonly known 
as typhoid fever, and manifests varying symptoms in different 
degrees of intensity. Its subjects are those of run-down sys- 
tems — the general health in feeble condition, which is due to be- 
ing poorly fed, poorly clothed, prolonged exposure to inclement 
weather, prolonged hard work, long exhausting marches, long 
continued mental strain in business or study, discontent and 
worryings, and long continued loss of sleep. 

And cases of it have been met in which the necessary com- 
forts of life with happy surroundings and environments were 
plentifully supplied, in which case a reason for its manifesta- 
tion was not so easily selected out. An exceedingly severe case 
of this class came under the care of the writer in recent years. 
The most that could be said in this case is, that the same 
causes that work in the system producing the run down con- 
dition found in typhoid fever cases, produced this condition in 
this case, and all like cases. The delirium of the nerves in this 
case extended to every part of the body with exceedingly great 



GENERAL DISEASES. 203 

severity, no part of the body being spared, neither inside nor 
outside, all alike partaking in the delirium. 

This type of disease, like all manifestations of ailments, has 
its coming-down period, which may, in a degree, extend over 
weeks and even months, which is readily noticeable if observa- 
tion is duly given. 

High temperature, flushed face, nausea and sometimes 
vomiting, uneasiness, restlessness, and sometimes delirium of 
both mind and nerves, any or all of these symptoms may pre- 
sent in varying degrees. Constipation usually exists, or has 
been the habit, though diarrhea occasionally manifests, and 
these conditions may have been alternating for some time. 

This fever developes about as other fevers do, especially like 
typhoid fever and is one in which not only its development, 
but its progress, is so markedly like typhoid, that the writer 
has not been able to detect the difference in the condition called 
typhoid and the condition called cerebro-spinal meningitis. The 
degrees of severity in both alike are greater in some cases than 
in others. Both alike dispose to protract, to continue for a 
long length of time, and recovery in both conditions is gener- 
ally slow. 

The greatest severity in both cases may extend through 
eight or ten weeks, and in the severest cases perfect recovery 
may require two years to complete. In some cases that have 
lived through an attack, the patient has been left not only 
bodily crippled, but the mind or mental capabilities destroyed. 
The delirium of the nerves that accompanies some cases during 
its progress, is usually slow to disappear, clinging to parts for 
several months, usually the vocal parts and the hands being 
afflicted the longest time. 

The treatments and care directed in this work for typhoid 
fever, will be found to meet the needs in the ailment usually 



204 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

called by the above terms, the writer having seen nothing by 
which to be guided into making any distinction between the 
manifestations, or requirements for treatment. 

When the severer attacks of nervousness manifest, especially 
along the spinal column, sponge-bathe along this line, using 
water hot as can be borne, and dry by brisk rubbing with the 
bath towel. A teaspoonful of spirits of camphor and half an 
ounce of essence of peppermint may be added to a half gallon 
of water used, with great benefit to the patient. 

This nervousness, after it is "broken up" and is disposing 
to disappear, bunches up, as it were, about the joints of the 
limbs usually, occasionally a case being met in which consider- 
able enlargement presents. The bath administered as 
above to these parts hastens its dispersion. Also the following 
liniment may be applied, both to these parts and the spinal col- 
umn, with great benefit, as it not only removes a sense of sore- 
ness that appears, but quiets the nerves very much and also 
promotes a better circulation in the parts, which is highly ben- 
eficial : Take spirits of camphor, one ounce ; essence of pepper- 
mint, four ounces ; glycerine, three ounces ; spirits of turpentine, 
one ounce ; and castor oil, one ounce. Mix and apply as above 
directed. 

AGUE.-CHILLS AND FEVER. 

Ague, or chills and fever, are terms that have been applied 
to a type of disease attributed to malaria. It consists, in its 
immediate onset, of a chilly or cold sensation followed by fever. 
This is sometimes succeeded by sweating. Unless checked by 
proper treatment, these manifestions may recur any number of 
times, till death may claim the subject. Usually these mani- 
festations recur ever other day, occasionally every day, every 
third day, or with no regularity. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 205 

This exhibition of disease usually ushers in the immediate 
onset of some well developed ailment due to more or less gen- 
eral derangement and debility, as eruptive fevers, sore throat, 
derangement of the kidneys, glandular fever — (herpes zoster,) 
typhoid fever, and numerous other types of ailments. In fact, 
almost every type of ailment makes its immediate advent with 
more or less pronounced chill or chilliness, followed by more or 
less rise of temperature. And frequently there is but the one 
marked chill, though the fever may continue or recur. 

The chill may appear at any time of the day or night. In 
the increasing severity it appears at an earlier hour, and in the 
decreasing severity, at a later hour. It is marked by cold 
flashes running up and down the body, headache, yawning, 
thirst, shivering and trembling, fingers sometimes blue, and oc- 
casionally vomiting or nausea. Excretions are imperfectly per- 
formed, and delirium sometimes exhibits. 

In from four to eight hours from the attack of the chill, 
many of the morbid symptoms disappear and remain absent 
during the intermission till another attack, except in pronouced 
eruptive fevers, in which cases there is usually but one attack 
of chill. 

Prolonged exposure to severe cold and damp weather, will 
cause chill, and, a general impairment of health. An abnormal 
condition of the spleen, liver and kidneys, constipated bowels, 
and improper feeding, are its prime cause s. 

In the treatment of the various types of disease which are 
introduced by a chill the treatment must be directed according 
to the following developments : If measles, small pox, erysipe- 
las, typhoid fever, etc., treat as directed for those types. 

The patient should be placed comfortably in bed, especially 
during the attack of the chill, the succeeding fever and sweat- 
ing, and be permitted to remain quiet. The recurrent or inter- 



206 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

mittent tjpQ will usually disappear when the pre-existing mor- 
bid conditions are removed and the secretory and excretory 
functions restored ; the appetite and assimilation will return 
and convalescence progress. 

The alcohol vapor bath, taken to produce sweating just 
before the expected return of the chill, and repeated at each ex- 
pected return for two or three times, will stop the chills. 

When the condition is due to the presence of worms, treat 
the patient for the removal of worms (see treatment for re- 
moval of worms in this book). 

Most of these attacks disperse from thoroughly cleansing 
the system by taking the capsules (see remedies in this book) 
and the taking of cinchonidia a few successive mornings. Fill 
No. 2 capsules with cinchonidia and give one every two hours, 
beginning the taking sufficiently early to permit of the taking 
of four capsules, the last one of which shall be taken two hours 
before the time for the expected return of the chill. But instead 
of the cinchonidia alone, I really prefer equal parts of cincho- 
nidia, capsicum and golden seal, mixed and given as above di- 
rected. 

After taking the capsules sufficient to produce free biliary 
alvine dejections, the following will be found to cure most every 
case: Take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm; glycerine and 
water, of each four ounces. Mix and take a teaspoonful of the 
mixture three times a day. 

The following restorative tonic aids in improving the con- 
dition of the health : Take wine, a pint ; half an ounce of tinc- 
ture of prickly ash berries ; tincture of buchu, half an ounce ; 
glycerine, three ounces; cinchona cal. and tincture of gentian, 
of each one drachm; and tincture of capsicum, two drachms. 
Mix and take a teaspoonful morning and evening. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 207 

Some very obstinate attacks disperse following the taking 
of a heaped teaspoonful of sulphur every morning for three suc- 
cessive mornings each week, omitting three or four mornings 
between these periods of taking the sulphur. 

After cleansing the system with the capsules, the free use of 
lemons appears to complete the cure in some cases. In fact the 
curing of "chills and ague" almost consists in "getting rid of 
the biliousness" and sufficient rest. 

MALARIAL FEVER. 
Malaria is a name given to disease manifesting with fever 
and periodicity. It is considered by most authors to be caused 
by noxious gases from decomposing vegetable matter, though 
some are not satisfied with such explanation for its cause or 
origin. It has been called names after the names of different 
localities in which a case was found (and there is no account- 
ing for freaks of science when it gets down to earnest name- 
giving), as African fever, Bengal fever, Michigan fever, etc. ; it 
has also been called typhoid, and bilious fever. 

However, there is no speciBc anything about the type given 
this name that may not associate with any manifestation of 
disease. It has marked periodicity as one of its symptoms, 
but this associates more or less with every manifestation of 
disease and every case of injury of any degree of severity. 
The cause of periodicity manifesting in conditions of disease, 
w T ith the light we have at present, affords us no means of 
accounting for it — or understanding its cause. Really there is 
a well defined periodicity embodied in the life or living of the 
body's self. 

The appearance of this fever is not confined to any locality 
nor any season of the year, and persons of any age may be 
attacked with it. It does not suddenly develope, its formative 
stage may and frequently does extend through weeks, marked 



208 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

by failing and enfeebling health. And this progressing travel 
marks, in some degree, every ailment the human flesh is heir 
to, and any manifestation with any peculiarity to seemingly 
specialize one condition of sickness from another, may be as 
appropriately called this name as any other. And whatever 
manifesting peculiarity presents, must be treated as the pecul- 
iarity requires. 

BRAIN FEVER.-INFAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 

Except when caused from mechanical injury to the head, 
brain fever or inflammation of the brain, is of very seldom occur- 
rence. The mental and nervous disturbances which have been 
usually considered to be due to the above named lesion, in- 
flammation of the brain, are but reflex — the cause of the mani- 
festing disturbance being due to the poisoning and depressing 
influence of the uneliminated morbid matters in the blood. 

The nausea, sometimes vomiting, restlessness, wakefulness, 
hot head and cold feet, the disturbed mind — the delirium, are 
pretty nearly consequent upon perpetually over-loading the 
stomach, eating improper food, thus keeping the stomach filled 
with decomposing substances, the blood overloaded with gases 
therefrom, and, the morbidness of retained excretions ; and the 
outburst is nature's rebelling against such prolonged imposi- 
tion. 

Sponge-bathe the surface of the body, using the water hot 
as can be borne, and to a gallon of the water used for this 
purpose, add a little aqua ammonia. 

Add one-fourth of a teaspoonful of each of tincture of lo- 
belia and capsicum, to a pint of water, and administer half of 
this quantity as injection per rectum, (for a child from three to 
six years old). It may be repeated in an hour, if alvine dejec- 
tions have not been seen. Add five drops of tincture of nux 



GENERAL DISEASES. 209 

vomica, to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of this 
mixture every two hours. Also, add five drops of tincture of 
aconite, to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of this 
mixture every two hours, beginning this one hour after having 
given the first dose of the other mixture. This treatment meets 
the needs in many cases, and there are but few cases that im- 
mediate relief does not ensue. Both of the above medicines 
may be put in the one four ounces of water, and a dose given 
every two hours. 

Where there is fetid odor about the breath, distention of 
stomach and bowels, give a powder of the podophyllin (see 
remedies in this book), everv six hours till biliary alvine action 
is seen, and continue giving the above directed aconite and nux 
vomica mixtures. 

In adults, in patients addicted to intoxicating drinks, gross 
eating, or, in conditions of great "biliousness," a dose of the 
anti-bilious physic, given, and the sponge-bathings and quiet, 
give the speedy relief desired. About forty -eight hours after 
taking the above physic, the patient may take a capsule (see 
remedies in this book), and continue taking one every night to 
every third or fourth night, so long as needed. 

ANEMIC GLANDULAR FEVER.-HERPES ZOSTER, OR 

SHINGLES. 

A type of ailment, usually exhibiting an eruption on the 
surface of the body, and called by name, herpes zoster, shing- 
les, and herpes circinatus or ringworm, and various other names, 
is anaemic glandular fever. Occasionally it disposes to recovery 
very sluggishly. It continues from ten days to six weeks, and 
two months in some cases, though some cases require but 
little attention and recovery is rapid. 



210 THE MEDIC AE ADVISER. 

It is due to great debility, and constitutional derangement, 
conditions favoring its development being very much in com- 
mon with these disposing or provoking nervous prostration 
and gout — as excessive and prolonged mental labor, deficient 
muscular exercise or muscular exercise pursued to prostration 
or exhaustion, mental strain, as worriment or discontent, too 
close confinement indoors — in heated rooms, and sluggish 
activities of the urinary and alvine excretory functions and 
ill-nutrition. It may manifest during convalescence from pneu- 
monia, or any debilitated condition of the system. And, the 
eruption may appear on any part of the body — as in blisters 
or little sores around the corners of the mouth on the lips, 
about the nose and nasal cavities, about the edges of the eyes, 
about the ears, or, about the excretory outlets, in vesicles or 
vesicular patches, as in ringworm which usually appears on the 
face and neck, but which may appear on any part of the body ; 
also, as in herpes zoster or shingles appearing on the body, 
as in salt rheum or tetter appearing upon the scalp or 
on the face covered with the whiskers. It also appears 
upon the hands of washerwomen, which is due to the 
continued destruction of the skin nutrient from the effect of 
the alkali used in washing ; laborers, grocers, and persons con- 
tinually handling irritable substances and substances requiring 
frequent washings of the hands, are also victims of it. 

Fever indisposition, and malaise, more or less marked, 
precede the development of the eruption, and in addition in 
those cases where no eruption appears more than a blister or 
so about the lips, a bruised sensation and neuralgic pain 
about the liver and spleen appears — the soreness frequently ex- 
tending quite around the body at this location, which is due 
to the enlarged and inflamed condition of the spleen and liver ; 
hence I name the manifestation, aneemic glandular fever. This 



GENERAL DISEASES. 211 

type is slow to recover, and frequently marked exhibits of 
gout attack the feet and hands, and the urinary apparatus is 
much distressed. 

When appearing on some parts of the body a guilty con- 
science suspicions the undesirable disease, but this may be dis- 
tinguished from that disease by the absence of disposition to 
suppurate, as usually upon rupturing, these vesicles dry, scale 
off and disappear and the livid color present in venereal erup- 
tions is absent. 

Persons of any age may suffer an attack and any number 
of recurrences may be experienced, and either sex supply its 
victims. Some years the aged supply its most severe cases. 

In all cases the general health must be given attention, 
placing it in improving condition and stop the disposing cause. 
Rest in the recumbent position, easily digested food, hot water 
baths to the feet and hot water spongings to the surface ol 
the body, and outings in the fresh air are some of the chief 
necessaries for effecting a cure. 

Wash the surface of the body every day or every second 
day, using hot water and castile soap, and give the feet a soak- 
ing hot water bath each evening before sleeping time. Where 
there may be eruptions, after the above washings, rinse the 
parts with water, to a pint of which has been added two tea- 
spoonfuls of tincture of benzoin. It is rare that more than one 
to three washings with this remedy is needed. If any of the 
vesicles dispose to be sluggish in getting well, vaseline one 
ounce, and resin benzoin two grains, mixed, and a small por- 
tion applied daily will hasten their healing. These remedies 
may be applied to any of the parts requiring a special dress- 
ing. After the cleansing and annointing, a bit of unwashed 
cotton may be placed over any part unduly tender and con- 
fined in place by means of adhesive plaster, thus preventing be- 



212 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ing irritated by contact with clothes. A piece of adhesive plas- 
ter alone frequently serves the need without cotton. 

For internal administration give the following: Take po- 
lymnia uvedalia, one drachm ; glycerine and olive oil, of each 
three ounces. Mix and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
four hours during the day. 

The mixture containing cascara and podophyllin, directed 
in this work in the treatment of uraemia, given as there directed, 
will aid in hastening recovery, and should be given in cases of 
much severity. 

Also taking the capsules (see remedies in this book), one 
every four hours till very free alvine dejections are seen, is ex- 
ceedingly invaluable in hastening a cure. 

The additional treatment necessary in cases accompanied 
by gout is, to soak well in hot water, the parts exhibiting 
the manifestation, which is usually the joints about the feet 
and hands exhibiting swellings, accompanied by pain in some 
degree. This soaking hot water bath to the parts should be 
repeated two or three times a day, in severe cases, and the 
water kept hot as can be borne during the bath. The relief 
from pain is immediate, the reduction of swelling rapid, and 
it is unapproximated in speedily restoring to health. 

Occasionally the exhibit on the scalp and about the whisk- 
ers shows undue sluggishness in continuing to recover. When 
such is the case, apply the following: Vaseline, one ounce; sul- 
phate of zinc, two grains. Mix, and apply a portion once a 
day, after cleansing the parts well with water and castile 
soap. Any of the salves or ointments named in this book, 
which contain bees wax and turpentine also makes a curative 
application to these sores. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 213 

GOUT. 

Gout, though due to constitutional disturbance, usually 
makes its first local exhibit in the metatarso-phalangeal artic- 
ulation of the great toe, and extends to other joints, though 
it may exhibit first in other joints, but it is rare that it does 
so. It usually confines to the lower limbs from the knees down, 
and to the hands and wrists. Occasionally there is dropsical 
appearance all over the body. 

It may occur earlier or later in life. It appears to delight 
in vexing those of lymphatic temperament, and especially those 
of sedentary habits, and those engaged in mental work being 
most subject to its attacks. 

Its appearance is due to deficient elimination and excretions, 
and deficient nutrition. In addition to the swellings and ach- 
ing pain accompanying its exhibit, there is a general feeling of 
indisposition, languor, fretfulness, irritableness, sluggishness, 
drowsiness, mental inactivity, cramps in the lower limbs, or 
neuralgic darting pains. 

When this condition is present, the glandular system is 
morbidly affected also, especially the spleen and liver. The ex- 
cretions from bowels and kidneys are sluggishly and deficiently 
performed. Frequently there is a persistent cough. For con- 
siderable time the appetite is but little impaired — is more fre- 
quently voracious. 

To cure the disease, attention must be given to diet and 
habits, especially exercise in out door air must be had, as upon 
this largely depends certainty of a cure ; next to this must be 
effected a thorough elimination and excretion of morbid mat- 
ters from the system, by rousing the liver to promote activity 
of the kidneys and bowels. Soaking the swelled parts in hot 
water half an hour, and repeating this treatment not less than 
three times a day, if there is much swelling, rapidly disperses 



214 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

both swelling and pain, giving immediate relief. Use the water 
as hot as can be borne, and keep it at the same heat while 
rising it. A drachm of oil of peppermint and two drachms of 
spirits of camphor, added to the water used for this bath, en- 
hances its value. 

A distressing cough usually accompanies this affection, 
especially if it has continued for some time. This is chiefly 
caused by the enlargement of the liver and spleen. 

The following remedies taken as directed, will disperse the 
cough and promote a healthy condition of the system. Take 
a capsule at seven, and ten, in the evening, every evening for 
two evenings. Then miss two nights and repeat so long as 
needed. Take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm; glycerine and 
water, of each, four ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoonful of 
this mixture three times a day, till cured. 

The above treatment gives the desired relief, and pursued, 
gives a speedy cure. Relief begins with the beginning of the 
treatment. Foods must be nutritious, vegetables and fruits 
serving best, and the cup of hot water, taken the first thing 
in the early morning and the juice of an orange following this, 
is the best beginning for the day. 

PALSY. 

As senility approaches, some persons are affected with a 
condition of agitated motions, or "shaking palsy" as the con- 
dition is sometimes called. It usually confines to the limbs, 
head and neck; when exhibiting in the lower limbs there is 
tremor and uncertainty of step. 

The affection is probably due to excessive bodily fatigue 
having been experienced, violent emotions, and exposures to ex- 
treme cold and wet, and greatly aided, especially in its begin- 
ning, by "biliousness." 



GENERAL DISEASES. 215 

The best that can be done for these cases is to place the 
general health in the best possible condition and let the patient 
be unannoyed. If the patient is able, some time should be spent 
out in the open air every day. (See Palsy elsewhere in this 
book.) 

FAINTING. 

Fainting exhibits in persons much weakened by disease, or 
much distressed by indigestion, those subjected to much pain, 
standing on the feet till exhausted, loss of blood and being ex- 
posed to vitiated air, and the blood being overloaded with 
morbid matters, (excepting, probably, a few cases of sensa- 
tional faintings). The subjects usually revise from inhalations 
of aqua ammonia, spirits of camphor, essence of peppermint, 
fumes of turpentine, water sprinkled over the face, slappings 
over the chest, applications of hot water over the region of the 
heart, plunging the feet into hot water. 

The general health should be placed in normal condition, 
the excretory functions should be well established and the sys- 
tem well nourished. 

Tincture of nux vomica, five drops, added to four ounces 
of water, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every ten min- 
utes to every half hour till four or five doses have been given, 
then every two hours for ten or fifteen hours, will in mild cases 
prevent a return. 

When repetitions of fainting follow closely each other, a 
dose of the anti-bilious physic (see remedies in this book) is 
frequently the best thing to give. And, if the tongue is nasty 
coated, give a capsule (see remedies in this book) every night 
for four to ten days. 



216 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PARALYSIS. 

When paralysis manifests the patient is unable to use parts 
of the body, there is loss of voluntary motion in the parts 
affected, and the power of speech is more or less affected also, 
or may be entirely lost. It may manifest in any part of the 
body, at any period of life, though it is more frequently met 
in persons of senile age. The patients the writer has been 
called to treat were of ages from sixty to eighty-six years. 

It may arise from mechanical injury, or be consequent to 
a prolonged enfeeblement, or debilitated condition, and may 
thus be a prominent manifesting feature of an attack of severe 
ailment. It is also said to result from the administration of 
opiates. Except when it is the result of mechanical injury, or 
is the effect of opiates or alcoholic drinks, its causes are quite 
similar to those productive of apoplexy. 

Whatever causes may have given rise to paralysis, the 
condition is alarming, either immediate or remote, and a phy- 
sician must be called. 

When paralysis is caused from injury to the spinal cord, 
there is little hope for recovery. When appearing in senile age, 
fatality may be looked for, though by proper and prompt 
treatment and care, recoveries sometimes ensue, and in many 
cases considerable prolongation of life is enjoyed. The condi- 
tions the writer has found present in paralytic attacks were 
feeble digestion, engorgement of the system with morbid mat- 
ters — extremely sluggish performance of urina^ and alvine ex- 
cretions, and much worriment and vexation had been exper- 
ienced. These conditions must have been the cause of the 
vital machinery running with too much friction which resulted 
in the break down. 

In conditions where the patient cannot swallow well, 
plunge the feet into hot water, and apply hot water to the 



GENERAL DISEASES. 217 

hands by means of woolen mats or rags ; there usually results 
some relief in a few minutes. If there is not marked symptoms 
of relief, at least sufficient to permit the patient to swallow, 
give an injection of hot water, per rectum. To the water used 
for this purpose add half an ounce of glycerine, and a fourth 
of a teaspoonful of each, of tincture of lobelia, and tincture of 
capsicum. Half a gallon of water should be used. 

As soon as the patient can swallow, give a dose of anti- 
bilious physic, and keep the patient quiet. Nothing more need 
be given till the action of this remedy has about subsided, 
which will be about thirty-six hours. In some cases nothing 
more is needed, but quiet and rest, and suitable foods. 

Pleasantly adjust the surroundings of the patient to keep 
comfortable and quiet, and permit no food but a cup of tea, 
till free alvine action is seen. 

The above treatment and care usually results in a cure. 
The depressing factors being removed from the circulation, and 
rest given, the vital forces are refreshed and enabled to con- 
tinue life. 

The best stimulant, and one that is suited to the purpose, 
is tincture, or tea of capsicum, which may be added to the 
foot bath and also a small quantity applied to the spinal col- 
umn ; its effect is lasting, and leaves no injury. That applied 
to the spinal column, may be mixed with a little olive oil, or 
lard. 

Paralysis appearing in early childhood, as of some limb or 
part, may be due to various causes; or what appears to be a 
paralysis, may be a case of checked development. Usually 
when manifesting in early childhood or infancy, unless from 
injury, the cause is obscure and but little benefit may be 
hoped, or looked for. 



218 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

APOPLEXY. 

Apoplexy is a disease chiefly confined to the senile period of 
life; at least, it rarely occurs earlier than middle life. From 
sixty years of age, it may be expected, and at seventy a per- 
son is on the verge of an attack. 

Its prominent exhibiting feature, is sudden loss of conscious- 
ness and stertorous breathing. Though the immediate onset, 
or paroxysm is sudden, premonitory symptoms are exhibiting 
for weeks, and even months, before the attack, in most cases. 
There is the progressing dullness of sensation, dull, heavy feel- 
ing, and a sense of fullness about the head ; the excretory func- 
tions are sluggishly performed. There is usually an apprehen- 
sion of impending danger, and the emotions are frequently 
feebly controlled. 

Its subjects are those of sedentary habits, of over full, slug- 
gish habits of body, gross eaters and brain workers, usually. 
The retention of the detritus and superfluous materials in the 
blood, chiefly the urinary materials, causes depression. This 
depression may be greatly augmented by emotional indulgence, 
intense heat or cold, or, anything that exhausts or depresses 
the vital forces. Deficient exercise in the out door air, excite- 
ment or over-eating, may provoke an immediate attack. 

This is one of the conditions in which truly an ounce of 
prevention is worth a pound of cure. This condition exhibiting, 
as it usually does, in senility, all of the organs in the economy 
of the body partaking in the senile infirmities, the functions are 
feebly performed and morbid influences prevent harmonious 
activities if permitted to exist. 

Well directed exercise is purifying, hence life-sustaining, as 
it greatly aids in ridding the system of its own debris (effete 
materials). Excitement and voracious eating should be avoided, 
and the excretory functions of the kidneys and bowels be kept 



GENERAL DISEASES. 219 

active. Bathing, or sponging the body, using hot water, two 
or three times a week, at least, favors well-being by removing 
excreted and accumulated materials from the surface of the 
body, and, it also favors circulation by withdrawing the blood 
from the congested centers. Thus the hot water bathings, or 
spongings are valuable both as prevention and cure. The coma 
is due to the congested condition, and the hemorrhage that 
sometimes takes place (though exceedingly rare) is due to the 
engorgement of, and debilitated condition of the parts. 

The condition is always immediately alarming, death most 
frequently claiming the subject. Upon the slightest presenting 
symptom a physician should be immediately called. But do 
not remain idle; place the sufferer in as comfortable position 
as possible, release all tightness of clothing, and apply woolen 
mats or rags, wrung from equal parts of hot water and vine- 
gar, to the feet, legs and hands. A cloth wrung from a similar 
fluid may be passed several times quite near the nose if an at- 
tack is on. If a betterment can be obtained, some manifesta- 
tions of change will begin to exhibit in thirty minutes or an 
hour. But even though a reviving may markedly manifest, 
permanency of betterment and ultimate recovery sometimes 
can not be expected. 

If the condicion of the patient improves so that swallow- 
ing can be effected, there is nothing that serves a better pur- 
pose in these cases than a dose of the anti-bilious physic. (See 
remedies in this book.) While its action is effective it does not 
depress, but on the other hand it revives by removing the op- 
pression of morbidness from the circulation. I have witnessed 
some marvelous effects from its administration in these paraly- 
tic and apoplectic conditions. I have found nothing in all rem- 
edies that effects so much benefit, and nothing that acts so 
quickly and safely. 



220 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

No matter how much the patient may revive, there should 
be no food given till alvine action is obtained. A cup of hot 
water and the juice of an orange may be permitted, but no 
other foods. Alcoholic stimulants and opiates are depressing, 
adding greater danger to life, and should never be given. 

CONVULSIONS. 

The causes of convulsions are many and various, as gross 
foodations, an excess of accumulated gases, retained excretions. 
These while being a few of the chief factors leading to this, 
many more of the causes of these affections are entailed upon 
the offspring from parent or parents, than is generally sup- 
posed. 

Those convulsions recurring from the slightest provocation, 
and continually recurring at periods, the epileptic form and 
other varieties, manifesting from no appreciable or visible cause, 
and numerous other nerve derangements, are consequent from 
nerve injuries transmitted to offspring from parent or parents, 
due to excessive sexual intercourse during gestation usually, 
and from the mother being constantly kept in an irritated and 
excited condition from disturbed night sleep from the same 
cause, and over- work and other abuses. 

In cases of the last named causes, where the patient is or 
or might be otherwise of strength and vigor, the convulsions 
may be overcome to a degree but under the circumstances a 
permanent cure leaving no traces cannot be looked for. 

Those convulsions which arise from improper feeding, exces- 
sive accumulations of gasses, inactivities of the kidneys and 
bowels, derangement of digestion due to teething, recession of 
eruptions, as of measles can be permanently cured by proper 
care and treatment, these very rarely leaving any permanent 
mental disturbance. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 221 

A few cases are met which have been caused by falls, blows 
or mechanical injuries to the head or spinal cord. Some of 
these may be benefited by treatment suited to each peculiar 
case, but which require the personal attention of a competent 
attendant, and which cannot be directed in a book of this 
scope. 

During the attack of the convulsion place the patient in the 
recumbent position, with the head slightly raised, loosen the 
clothing about the throat and chest, and prevent the patient 
from doing bodily injury to himself as much as possible, as 
preventing the tongue from being bitten, and the body from 
striking against objects, yet do not restrain the convulsive 
movements. This is usually all that can be safely attempted 
during an attack. 

The use of narcotics and whisky, in any and all forms, in 
these cases is dangerously injurious — augmenting the severity 
instead of lessening it. 

The surest and safest remedy is prevention, whether there 
has exhibited convulsions, or if there has not. This may be 
accomplished by watching the habits of the patient, and prop- 
erly regulating them by proper means. If the following indi- 
cations are observed and the remedies directed administered, 
not only the convulsions the writer has named as curable will 
be prevented, but those named as doubtful of being cured will 
be very greatly ameliorated. Do not permit constipation 
of the bowels to continue; when there is scant, pro- 
fuse, or offensive urination do not permit it to continue; if 
the breath is fetid, it is a symptom of a disordered condition 
requiring attention; the nasty, dirty -coated tongue also indi- 
cates wrongness ; the chew, chew and the grinding of the teeth 
at night, the fretfulness, impatient, despondent, restlessness, 
nervousness, the dry, hot, harsh skin, also, the "clammy," 



222 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

pasty, moist, flaccid skin, all indicate a morbid condition. The 
appetite that is never satisfied, that thirst that cold water 
does not quench but rather seems to augment, and that abuse 
of appetite, are also wrongness. Any ordinary intelligent per- 
son can discern any and all of the above symptoms. 

Hot water baths, especially the sponge-baths, at least two 
to three times a week, are indispensable. If the skin is hot, 
harsh, and dry, add a little soda (common baking soda) to 
the bath water; if the skin is flaccid, add a tablespoonful of 
aqua ammonia to a gallon of water used ; if the skin is unduly 
moist, add a fourth of a teaspoonful of red pepper in powder, 
to a gallon of the water used for the bath; a handful of the 
ground mustard added to the water for the foot bath when 
the feet are disposed to continue unduly cold is beneficial. 

Eat to sensibry satisfy hunger at regular times; by so 
doing a better opportunity is given to know whether hunger 
really exists, or whether the impression is due to a thoroughly 
over-taxed stomach from being continually gorged. Or, if the 
person is a child, it can be distinguished whether the disturb- 
ance is from above causes, a developed condition of sickness, 
or to simply wanting some peculiar desire granted. 

If there is paleness, or pale yellowish tinge about mouth, 
nose, and eyes, fretfulness present, the following will generally 
be all that is required: Take tincture of nux vomica, five 
drops; water, four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful every 
two hours, for two or three days, and a capsule or powder 
given (see remedies in this book) every third night. 

Remove constipation by exercise and proper foods — apples, 
sorghum molasses, corn bread and many other articles of food 
regulate this habit. When food will not sufficiently favor take 
a dose of anti-bilious physic, a dose of salts, a capsule (see rem- 
edies in this book), or equal parts of sulphur and cream of 



GENERAL DISEASES. 223 

tartar, or hot water injections. Any of the above remedies 
will disperse the fetid odors from the breath, will disperse des- 
pondency, nervousness, restlessness, clean the nasty tongue, 
will remove morbid accumulations from the general economy 
of the body — will house-clean the body and leave a better sat- 
isfaction with self, if they are used sufficiently. 

The mixture which contains cascara and podophyllin, di- 
rected in the treatment of uraemia in this book, taken as there 
directed, will also give the same satisfactory result. 

In those convulsions occurring in childhood under six or ten 
years old, many of the milder forms readily disperse from giv- 
ing the following : Take nux vomica, five drops ; water four 
ounces. Mix, and as soon as the child can swallow, give a 
teaspoonful of the mixture every fifteen minutes to every thirty 
minutes, lengthening the time, as the nervous and muscular 
twitchings subside, to two hours. 

Should the convulsions recur in rapid succession, the follow- 
ing injection, per rectum, will give speedy relief: Take of hot 
water, one quart ; tincture of lobelia and tincture of capsicum, 
of each two drachms ; glycerine, two ounces. Mix. For a child 
under one year old, half a teacupful of this mixture is sufficient 
for an injection. (Half a quart for an adult.) If gases are not 
removed or other alvine dejections obtained, the injection 
should be repeated in twenty or thirty minutes. If the dura- 
tion of the convulsive attack is prolonged, if opportunity offers 
this may be administered while the convulsion is on. 

Podophyllin, one grain; sugar of milk, nine grains, well 
triturated, is a most rapid and reliable remedy in those cases 
of great rigidity and rapidly recurring contortions, especially 
among children where it is next to impossible to get opportu- 
nity to do anything more than get one swallow of anything 
taken by the patient. For a child from three to seven years 



224 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

old, two grains of the above mixture is a dose; mix it in water 
or licorice syrup and give a dose every six hours till biliary 
alvine action is seen. Frequently in children, one dose of this 
a week is sufficient. In these cases there is usually present a 
dirty, yellowish-colored skin, nasty coated tongue, breath, 
urine and sweat offensive, and abdomen full. 

The anti-bilious physic gives speedy relief in most cases of 
adults. 

OBESITY. 

While obesity is predominant in some temperaments, some- 
times present in early childhood and youth, as well as appear- 
ing in some instances in advanced life, yet there are means to 
restrain the undue accumulation within confortably enduring 
bounds, and which means are adaptable to the causes produc- 
ing the condition. 

When obesity arises from over-eating and sedentary 
habits, free muscular exercise must be indulged in, and dietary 
must be regulated. Confine to a few varieties of food, and 
drink as little fluids of any kind as possible to endure — and 
take no alcoholic drinks whatever. Keep the excretory func- 
tions freely active. This treatment will keep within comfort- 
able bounds the undue accumulation of fat, or over bigness. 

Many persons have an appearance, to the ordinary ob- 
server, of being very obese, but this condition is many times 
due to the distended and engorged condition of the system, 
due to retained surplus and effete materials. Plenty of exer- 
cise, and eliminating the morbid matters and excreting them 
from the body by bowels and kidneys, removes this very un- 
desirable condition. 

A large number of cases that take on such monstrous pro- 
portions, the condition is not fat, but dropsical accumulations. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 225 

This may be produced by impoverishment of the general sys- 
tem, and gaseous accumulations. This condition may be 
caused by over-work or over-study, also, many of the worst 
cases are due to smoking and chewing tobacco, smoking cigar- 
ettes and the morphine habit, and drinking intoxicating 
potions. These articles not furnishing food, supply no nutri- 
tion, leaving the body to consume itself, and from this debili- 
tated condition dropsy ensues. 

The greatest portion of the treatment to obtain a cure, in 
the line of these cases, consists in first eliminating the dissi- 
pating habits, and when this is done but little else is needed. 

After stopping the bad habits, the following serves the best 
purpose for these conditions : Take sulphur and cream of tar- 
tar, of each two heaped tablespoonfuls ; podophyllin, half a 
grain. Thoroughly mix and divide into thirty powders. Take 
a powder sufficiently frequent to produce three free alvine dejec- 
tions daily. Sugar may be added to the powder sufficient to 
make palatable. Take the powder dry. 

OBSERVATIONS.-OBESITY. 

To get rid of over-bigness, exercise is a remedy par excel- 
lence. Wholesome exercise and plenty of it prevents irregular- 
ities of digestion and assimilation, and stimulates good breath- 
ing, thus consuming the excesses — fat being burned up, gases 
worked off, and other roughness excreted. In excessive bigness 
the vitality is lowered, is smothered dowm by water, gas and 
fat. 

In exercising for reducing bigness, a most excellent and 
successful method is the following: The first position to take 
is the erect position. Next, extend the arms straight out from 
the body, keeping them extended and bring them behind the 



226 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

body till the backs of the hands come as near touching each 
other as possible; repeat this movement from six to ten times; 
now extend the arms directly upward and downward, repeat- 
ing this movement ten to fifteen times; now bend forward, 
bending from the waist line, bending to the verge of falling 
over, and rise to the erect position, repeating this ten times. 
Now lie flat upon the abdomen three minutes, then rise to the 
erect position. Next rub firmly and briskly, the arms from the 
shoulders down ; now rub from the waist line forward and 
downward over the abdomen, and last, rub the thighs and 
legs briskly, downwards. 

This exercise must be taken the first thing in the morning 
after arising, and to effect good results the exercise must be 
taken rapidly, ten to fifteen minutes being sufficient time to 
consume with it. The exercise should also be repeated just 
before going to bed at night. 

Continually practice the habit of erectness. Stand erect. 
Sit erect. Walk erect. Keep the chest thrown forward and 
the head erect. 

ABDOMINAL DISTRESS AFFECTING BABIES. 

For quick relief in many of the distressing attacks of gas- 
tric colic which sometimes attacks the baby, and makes the 
little sufferer kick and scream, the following usually gives 
speedy relief: Take ten drops of spirits of camphor, and fifteen 
drops of essence of peppermint. Mix, and rub the mixture 
over tLe abdomen in the region of the navel, and covef with a 
silk or woolen fabric. 

DREADFUL DISTURBANCE. 

In both adults and children, overloading the stomach with 
more foods than it can dispose of, and taking of foods at 
improper times, thus keeping up excitation of the nerves of the 



GENERAL DISEASES. 227 

stomach, not permitting a passive rest — constantly demanding 
gastric activity, prevents natural performance of function, 
which eventuates into both localized and reflex disturbances. 
The cure for this affliction consists in the prevention. Give 
the stomach a rest. Add tincture of nux vomica, five drops, 
to four ounces of water, and take a teaspoonful of the mix- 
ture every two hours during the day, for four to six days. 
This mixture must be given as above, to any person from eight 
years old to any age. 

Fluid extract of aromatic cascara, one ounce; tincture of 
buchu half an ounce; glycerine, two ounces ; tincture of ginger, 
two ounces ; and simple syrup, one ounce. Mix. For an adult, 
a teaspoonful of this mixture, taken three times a day, for 
three or four days, then once a day for a while places the 
patient in desirable health. 

THE KEY-NOTE. 
To ^eep the body and mind in smoothness and equilibrium, 
keep tuned to the key-note — health. Scavenge, scavenge, scav- 
enge parallel with repairs. Don't permit detritus and debris to 
remain in the sewers, the hinges, the pivots, and the road-beds 
of the nerves in the body. In addition to its being repulsive, 
it is destructive and obstructive. Clean up — house-clean the 
body -house. In our bodies, as in our dwellings, a degree of re- 
sults of occasional neglect accumulates, and a little wear 
here and there. Feculence is filth in the unevacuated bowels; 
it contaminates, but does not fertilize the body. Ure^ is filth 
in the urinary apparatus or uneliminated from the blood or cir- 
culation — it poisons the blood, depresses the brain, and fills the 
body with aches and pains. The bile in the biliary conduits 
and the intestinal cavity is in the proper place, but in the skin, 
it is detritus,^ a dirty unsightly guest and decorator. The des- 
sicated or gummy debris on the skin, poisons, excoriates, and 



228 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

prevents excretions from the sweat channels. Scavenge the 
dirt from the inside — eliminate it from the sewers, remove the 
debris of friction, and the gum of the worn out oil, and wash 
the debris from the skin. 

Provide for the pivots, hinges, and joints supple and com- 
fortable action, by eliminating from the tissues of the body 
contaminations of the organism by means of the sweat route, 
and remove the clogs and chokes from the machinery of the 
economy by way of the bowels and kidneys, and by running 
the engine of muscular exercise burn up the dry, husky rubbish 
which causes nervousness, irritableness and unrest. Don't 
worry about the friendly little bacillus, where it belongs it will 
go, as water separates from oil. It is a scavenger of the hu- 
man body, as the soil — the earth-dirt is a naturalizer of poi- 
sons and vicious matters. The bacillus will be found in its na- 
tural element — the garbage, though it did not make the gar- 
bage, no more than other things found in their natural place 
made the places in which they are found. Clean out the gar- 
bage, and these little animals will go with it, to remain in their 
natural place. 

BAD BLOOD. 

The condition of the blood usually termed "bad blood" 
arises most frequently from retained effete materials — the debris 
and detritus, and perhaps some excess of the economy of the 
body, and from pollution from vicious habits, as alcoholic 
drinking, tobacco and cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, the 
morphine habit, and acquired and inherited undesirable diseases. 
These are the true sources of bad blood, and they produce the 
various manifestations of blood poison, or bad blood, which 
give rise to the various morbid manifestations, as typhoid fever, 
rheumatic, uraemic, and various types of fever, headache, aches 
and pains throughout the body, numbness of parts, scrofulous 
eruptions, sores, ulcers, boils, small pox, carbuncles, cancerous 



GENERAL DISEASES. 229 

manifestations, tumors, enlarged and suppurating glands, sup- 
purative, mucous, hemorrhagic and catarrhal manifestations, 
mental depression, despondency, moroseness, irritability, forget- 
fulness, nervousness, wakefulness, inability to concentrate the 
mind on any subject, insanity, maliciousness, mono-maniacal 
tendency, as well as many other manifesting morbid conditions. 

In addition to the above causes, bad blood, or blood poi- 
son, may exhibit from a wound, either an open wound or a 
bruised wound, due to the dead substance (which has been 
killed by the injury) remaining in the circulation instead of be- 
ing eliminated. With the above is associated lack of nutrition. 
When progression is permitted to go on, degeneracv soon ap- 
pears unobstructed and great enfeeblement rapidly manifests, 
the vital forces exhibit but feeble resistance, repairative pro- 
cesses decline and eventually cease altogether. 

To cleanse the blood of this morbidness, scavenge and aid 
and permit nature to eliminate its debris and superfluity by 
vigorous muscular exercise, by cleansing of the surface of the 
body, by discarding vile and polluting habits, and by keeping 
the urinary and intestinal tract free from accumulations. 

When the conditions appear that are usually attributed to 
4 'bad blood," as eruptions over the body, boils, pimples, car- 
buncles, tumors, small pox, and even slight wounds or scratches 
suppurate or fester, there are low-grade materials seeking elim- 
ination, which, not having been obtained through the natural 
outlets — (the kidneys and bowels), appear in the above exhibit. 

The mixture containing podophyllin and cascara, directed 
in the treatment of uraemia, taken as there directed, gives the 
cleansing needed, and promotes digestion; proper washings 
of the surface or the body, rest and nutritious foods, will 
place the blood in healthful condition. 



230 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

In severe cases, cases in which the producing cause has 
been permitted to continue until severe manifestations have 
exhibited, a full dose of the anti-bilious physic (see remedies in 
this book) produces an excellent start in effecting a cure. Then 
continue taking the above named preparation. Also, a good 
way of taking medicine for "purifying" the blood, is to take 
a capsule (see remedies in this book) at night just before going 
to sleep, and the next morning take a full dose of the Garfield 
Tea before eating anything. Continue this mode for three or 
five days, then twice a week for three or four weeks, or longer 
in more severe cases, will cleanse very bad blood. 

The powder may be given without being put in a capsule. 
These medicines serve for people of any age and for both 
sexes. 

In cases where there are scalding sensations about the 
urinary outlet or such sensations about the parts, the follow- 
ing gives the desired cure : Take acetate of potassium, a tea- 
spoonful; and water, four ounces. Mix, and take a teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture three times a day. 

Olive oil, a teaspoonful, three times a day supplies the re- 
quirement in some cases, especially in those cases which are 
deficiently nourished. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

Erysipelas, also called "St. Anthony's Fire," is a sequence 
of a worn down and exhausted state of the body. It is a con- 
stitutional disturbance manifesting different local symptoms, as 
general redness, intense heat, irritableness and swellings accom- 
panying all forms. In no form does the local symptom define 
the extent of the morbid constitutional disturbance. In some 
cases it may apparently be confined to a local ulcerating pro- 
cess, or it may redden the entire surface of the body, or exhibit 



GENERAL DISEASES. 231 

vesicating nodules. But whatever type or symptom may ex- 
hibit, the disturbance is constitutional in its nature. 

When it attacks the pereosteum, as is the case when the 
type called "bone erysipelas" exhibits, it displays marked simi- 
larity to a felon, exhibiting without abrasion, accompanied by 
the throbbing or pulsating sensations, and severe pain, the long 
slow process of the pus reaching the surface and cleaning out. 
When this condition or type, manifests, it is necessary to poul- 
tice the part to hasten suppuration, and when the pus has 
reached the surface, cleanse the part, and apply the salve di- 
rected for application to carbuncle, in this book, applying a 
clean dressing every day. After cleansing the sore, rinse with 
hot water to four parts of which has been added one part 
tincture of benzoin, after which apply the salve. 

For local application to reddened surfaces and the vesicular 
types the above benzoin and water mixture applied three or 
four times a day and the parts kept covered with new un- 
washed cotton about an inch and a half thickness, soothes the 
pain and disperses the inflammation rapidly. Use water as hot 
as can be borne for washing or bathing the body and especially 
the affected parts. 

When it appears in a wound, cleanse the part, and rinse it 
with the above benzoine and water mixture, apply the salve 
above directed, and cover with cotton as above directed. 

For dispersing the morbidness from the system, and pro- 
moting recovery, the following gives the most satisfactory re- 
sults, and may be given in all cases: Take fluid extract of 
aromatic cascara, one ounce; simple syrup and glycerine, of 
each, three ounces ; tincture of buchu and sweet spirits of nitre, 
of each half an ounce; podophyllin, two grains; tincture of 
ginger, two drachms. Mix. Give a teaspoonful of this mix- 
ture every four hours till free biliary alvine dejections have 



232 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

been seen. Then a dose should be taken from twice to once a 
week, till the blood is purified. Recovery takes place rapidly fol- 
lowing this action, and the chill and shiverings that manifested 
in the immediate onset, and disposes somewhat to continue 
also remains dispersed after the above action, and there is a 
betterness throughout the body. The capsules (see remedies in 
book) may be given with the same frequency till the same 
action results, instead of the above mixture, if preferred. 

The patient should remain in bed quiet, till good advance 
is made in recovery, and protection from undue chill must be 
had. The speediest results obtain if foods are withheld till 
after alvine dejections have freely followed the taking of the 
cascara mixture, or the taking of the capsules. After the 
above action the patient may eat sufficient of pleasant and 
nutritious foods. Thoroughly cleansing the system from "bil- 
iousness" — morbid matters, both cures and prevents erysipelas 
in all cases and either the cascara mixture above named, or 
the capsules above named will do this. 

The caustics, leads, iodines, iron, and other vitiating and 
torturing preparations that many use in treating this manifest- 
ation, are poisonous and devitalizing and should not be per- 
mitted to be used. 

When the body is in a badly nourished condition, or de- 
vitalized, or run down, when it "is bilious," an exposure to 
sudden changes of weather may provoke an onset ; also a 
wound, bruise or injury. 

HEMORRHAGE FROM THE NOSE. 

When this condition presents, when not from local causes, 
as from injury, it is due to interference or obstruction of the 
circulation of the blood and enfeebled condition of the system. 
It may appear when the patient is able to be up and going 



GENERAL DISEASES. 233 

about, or it may manifest during some attack of serious sick- 
ness. Persons of any age may suffer from an attack of it, from 
the infant to excreme senility. 

It is an alarming symptom and should always receive 
prompt attention. Take essence of cinnamon, one-fourth of a 
drachm ; oil of erigeron, ten drops. This may be given on 
sugar or in syrup sufficient — one or two tablespoonfuls of syrup. 
A dose may be given every fifteen minutes till checking is man- 
ifesting, lengthening the time as the improvement progresses. 
As soon as the homorrhage has been controlled, attention must 
be given to place the general system in good condition. 

Frequently a dose of the anti-bilious physic (see remedies in 
this book) proves all that is needed in addition to the above. 
Where it disposes to return, a capsule (see remedies in this 
book), taken every night to every third or fourth night, till 
five to eight have been taken, will prevent its return. 

CONSUMPTION.-PULMONARY. 

Consumption is a term applied to a type of disease, the 
manifesting feature of which is excessive waste — deficient 
nutrition — deficient assimilation. It is generally believed to be 
a morbid condition wholly located within the lungs, but this 
is a grave mistake — the waste is general and the lungs suffer 
from the wastage no more than any other part of the body. 
A much smaller portion of the mucous which arises from 
coughing, comes from the lungs or its associate parts than is 
generally believed. 

The attention is generally attracted by a catarrhal exhibi- 
tion, or coughing attack, yet either or both of which may be 
prominent by their absence and yet the so-called consumption 
be far progressed. The waste products may be chiefly excreted 
by coughings, by diarrhea, by sweatings, or by excessive urin- 



234 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ary discharges. Complicated with syphilis its destructive 
progress is more rapid; and intoxicants, tobacco and opiates 
very greatly favor its progress. 

Patients may die of this disease, and no decided ulcerative 
manifestation ever have exhibited in the lungs or any other 
part of the body. Coughing is not always a symptom of pul- 
monary consumption — is not always present to an extensive 
degree. 

The lungs atrophy in proportion to the remainder of 
the body. Both hemorrhage and diarrhea are much 
more exhausting than cough. A much greater degree of 
degeneracy exists when hemorrhage or diarrhea exhibit, than 
when cough alone exhibits. When hemorrhage or diarrhea 
occur degeneracy has progressed to a great degree of feebleness, 
there is a general condition of atony — the vital energies are 
unable to retain collected the forces, to continue life. 

In those cases of disease to which the names pulmonary 
consumption, dropsy, typhoid fever, cerebro-spinal meningitis, 
are usually applied the general systemic condition is so alike 
that the writer finds it quite difficult to draw a line marking 
the difference. In all alike there is, and always has been, the 
excessive waste, degeneracy or decline — the deficient nutrition — 
the deficient assimilation. The old fashioned expression "indi- 
gestion" is quite applicable to all of the cases of the above 
types. Different degrees of severity manifest in all of these 
cases. 

Yirchow, and many English physicians considered it com- 
municable from husband to wife, and Dr. Weber noted the 
danger of pregnancy to the wife of the consumptive. The 
■writer is of the opinion that the husband may communicate 
consumption to the wife, but does not consider consumption 



GENERAL DISEASES. 235 

contagious in the sense that measles, mumps, and scarlet 
fever are thought to be. 

Change of climate to obtain a betterment rarely results 
favorably, especially if high elevations are sought — those nearer 
the sea level being of greatest benefit. The clothing of the 
consumptive should be exceptionally comfortable, and the 
social atmosphere distinctively agreeable. 

Foods must be nutritious without bulkiness, and served 
plainly, palatable rather than disguised mixes. Linseed and 
olive oils should form part of the daily food, and it may be 
taken alone, or form dressing to other foods — but preferably 
alone, or heated with sweet milk. A teaspoonful in half a cup 
of milk, three times a day, for beginning, and may be increased. 
It is usually acceptable to even delicate tastes. However, 
neither is unpalatable taken alone. These oils are especially 
nutritive, do not distress the stomach, are considered as easily 
digested as the cream of milk, they are mildly laxative, and the 
influence upon the mucous membranes is of a healthy nature. 

Tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces ; tincture of golden 
seal, half an ounce ; glycerine and simple syrup, of each three 
ounces ; tincture of buchu, one ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre, two 
ounces ; tincture of gentian, one drachm ; fluid extract of cas- 
cara aromatic, two ounces; and podophyllin, two grains. Mix 
and give tablespoonful every night for three nights, afterward, 
from two to one doses a week will be sufficient, this usually keep- 
ing up the influence desired. Also, take polymnia uvedalia, one 
drachm ; glycerine and water, of each, four ounces. Mix, and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture twice a day. The middle of 
the forenoon and the middle of the afternoon, or at 10 A. M., 
and 3 P. M., are suitable to take it. 



236 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

This last named medicine disperses glandular inflammation 
and enlargement, especially that of the spleen and liver, both 
of which conditions are largely the cause of the coughing. The 
other remedy is valuable for retaining an appetite, favoring di- 
gestion, promoting assimilation, secretion, and alvine and urin- 
ary excretions. 

The best cough mixture, and one that does all that a cough 
mixture can do in these cases, is the one recommended by my 
husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb (see cough syrups in this book). 

To one ounce of lard, add two drachms of tincture of bear's 
foot, and one drachm of oil of peppermint ; and a fourth of a tea- 
spoonful of capsicum in powder. Mix, and apply a portion on 
a woolen cloth, the cloth being sufficiently large to extend over 
the lungs, liver and spleen. This cloth should be worn every 
second or third night. 

There is usually present in these conditions undue moisture 
of the surface of the body. To aid in overcoming this condi- 
tion, and also, in dispersing scrofulous disposition, add half a 
teacupful of each, of sulphur and salt, to three gallons of water 
used for the bath. The bath should be used hot, and care 
should be taken not to expose the body to chill air while wet. 

Chlorate of potassa, a half teaspoonful added to half a glass 
of water, and a teaspoonful taken once a day, aids in checking 
excessive waste. After the first week, two doses a week for 
awhile will be sufficient. 

Hemorrhage which exhibits in these cases is not always 
from the lungs, but is more frequently from the stomach than 
is usually supposed. Except when the vital forces are about 
destroyed or exhausted, fifteen drops of essence of cinnamon, or 
five or ten drops of spirits of turpentine on sugar, given every 
ten to thirty minutes, will check the hemorrhage. Preferably 
the essence of cinnamon. 



J 



GENERAL DISEASES. 237 

After the hemorrhage is stopped the following mixture gives 
an excellent assistance in keeping it stopped and favors greatly 
in toning up the system to prevent its return : Take cinnamon, 
golden seal and ginger, of each equal parts. Mix thoroughly. 
A scant even teaspoonful of this mixture is a dose for an adult. 
Take it three times a day before meals. A little sugar may be 
added to the mixture if liked. It may be taken dry or mixed 
in water. Equal parts of glycerine, olive oil and syrup, form a 
good vehicle in which to take it, and in addition these reme- 
dies add to its value. 

No baccilli ever made one case of consumption of any kind, 
but one case of consumption may make a dead man or wo- 
man if not cured. 

There are present in these cases, abnormal waste, secretion 
and excretion, and deficient nutrition and assimilation, and de 
ficient sleep and rest. The remedy or remedies and hygiene that 
will so place the economy, or favor it to overcome this mor- 
bidity, will cure all curable cases. Indigestion is a decidedly 
more proper name to give this ailment than pulmonary con- 
sumption. 

As to being able to even slightly conjecture the extent the 
ailment is confined to the lungs, or the extent the lungs are 
involved or destroyed, is not possible to do, only by compari- 
son with the visible condition of the body. The lungs are hid 
from view, hence examination by inspection is impossible, and 
all known means of satisfactorily ascertaining the condition of 
the lungs are exceedingly misleading and can not be relied on, 
notwithstanding the many claims of great attainments in this 
respect. 

Consumption never becomes epidemic, and the annual death 
rate is so uniform that the knowledge of the death rate of the 



238 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

past enables to fairly well foretell the mortality in the near 
future. 

Its subjects are those who are badly nourished — poorly fed, 
poorly clothed, discontented, unhappily surrounded, over-worked, 
confined too closely indoors with sedentary employment, too 
much exposed to inclement weather, inherited scrofula, those 
who spend long time in prisons, and the youngest members of 
families. 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy is a morbid serous effusion into any of the cavities 
of the body, or the cellular tissues of the body. It may ex- 
hibit a local manifestation, as when it appears in the feet 
and legs, or in the abdomen, in the chest, or elsewhere; or, it 
may manifest all over the body. But whether the manifest- 
ation be local or general, it is due to the same grave consti- 
tutional derangement — to the general enfeeblement of the en- 
tire constitution. It is a full sister to the so-called pulmonary 
consumption. 

Various causes may give rise to this condition of de- 
bility, as when it follows typhoid fever, measles, sore throat 
called diphtheria, scarlet fever, excessive hemorrhage in par- 
turition, excessive hemorrhage from wounds, or general emaci- 
ation from insufficient nutrition, from the prostrating effects of 
over-work mental or manual, from worriment and discontent, 
or from any cause that exhausts the body, or causes undue 
degeneracy. Dropsy may appear in any derangement of the 
liver, kidneys or spleen, and there is morbidness of these 
organs in all conditions of dropsy. And to our success in recti- 
fying these wrongs is our hope for a cure. 

From the enfeebled condition of the parts, an excessive 
serous exudation into the cavities and meshes of the areolar 



GENERAL DISEASES. 239 

tissues is permitted, and from this same cause the absorbants 
are unable to take it up. The kidneys, bowels and skin, all 
fail to excrete the waste fluids from the body. It is a notice- 
able fact in dropsical affections, that the greater the severity 
of the dropsical affection, the more obstinately constipated are 
the bowels, and the less active are the skin and kidneys, in 
performing their due portion of excretion. 

CARDIAC DROPSY. 

I have never met a case of cardiac dropsy that was not 
an accompaniment of general dropsy, and dependent on the 
same causes or conditions for its existence as those of general 
dropsy. And the same is true of dropsy located in any part 
of the body. I believe that I have met and cured as severe 
cases of dropsy, both cardiac and general, as have been cured. 

When the appetite fails or is unduly impaired, the outlook 
is proportionately more unfavorable. Also, the condition is 
more alarming when the excess of fluids localize about the 
heart and lungs. The difficulty in breathing, then, is great, 
and sensitiveness to changes or annoyances is considerable. 

In treating all cases of dropsy there are two prime objects 
that must be accomplished to effect a cure; namely nutrition 
and excretion, and the same must be accomplished in all cases 
of dropsy if a cure is obtained. I have never observed a case 
in which tapping was resorted to, that a cure was effected. 
The eliminating and excretory functions must be aided to rid 
the system of the excess of fluid, by the way of the natural ex- 
cretory channels, the kidneys, bowels and skin. This is the 
only sure, safe and intelligent method. 

The alcohol vapor bath, may be administered to produce 
sweating, also soaking the feet and the legs to the knees in hot 
water, for ten or fifteen minutes each day, greatly favors the 



240 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

elimination of the excess of fluids, and gives much tone to the 
system. Sponge-bathing the remainder of the body daily, serves 
the necessary purpose. The water for this purpose should not 
be cold. 

The following preparation kindly gives the needed assist- 
ance in eliminating and excreting the morbid matters from the 
economy of the body : Take tincture of buchu, half an ounce ; 
glycerine and simple syrup, of each, three ounces; tincture of 
gentian, one drachm; fluid extract of aromatic cascara, one 
ounce ; essence of peppermint, one ounce; and podophyllin, one 
grain. Mix, and give a teaspoonful every four hours till biliary 
alvine dejections are seen. Then gi^e a dose sufficiently frequent 
to produce three or four alvine dejections daily. This remedy 
promotes elimination, and excretions by kidneys and bowels, 
and favors the appetite and digestion, and in addition to the 
baths above directed, proper food and rest will cure the very 
largest per cent, of cases. 

Take equal parts of sulphur and cream of tartar, two 
heaped tablespoonfuls of each; jallap and senna, of each half as 
much as of the above; and podophyllin, half a grain. Thor- 
oughly mix and divide into twenty powders. Give a powder 
sufficiently frequent to produce daily alvine excretions as above 
named. This remedy, together with the baths, proper feeding 
and rest, will also give the wished for cure. The sulphur and 
podophyllin act kindly on the glandular organs especially the 
liver, promoting elimination and excretion, and favoring diges- 
tion and assimilation, and the cream of tartar promotes elimi- 
nation and excretion of morbid fluids by the urinary apparatus, 
and the other remedies assist. 

The capsules (see remedies in this book) given sufficiently 
frequent to produce the above named free alvine daily dejec- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 241 

tions, and the following tonic remedy given during the day, 
also cure many cases. 

Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces; tincture ol 
gentian, one drachm; tincture of golden seal, half an ounce; 
tincture of prickly ash berries, one ounce ; simple syrup, two 
ounces; glycerine, six ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of 
this mixture three times daily. 

Strong catnip tea, one pint ; alcohol, one ounce. Mix. Half 
a teaspoonful in a little syrup, given three or four times a day, 
aids in promoting perspiration. 

The foods must be nutritious without being bulky, and the 
three times a day feeding gives best results. Fruits, vegetables, 
especially the cereals, and milk, supply the most agreeable nu- 
trition. 

DELIRIUM TREMENS. 

Delirium tremens is a condition of mental aberration con- 
sequent upon alcoholic or intoxicating drinks, and chewing and 
smoking tobacco. Much of its exhibiting features are identical 
with the delirium manifesting in various types of low fevers, 
which is due to the effects of the poison of detritus in the cir- 
culation and the prostrated condition of the system. In condi- 
tions of delirium tremens this poison is augmented by the 
effects of the alcohol, which increases degeneracy and prohibits 
nutrition and excretion. 

There is an exalted state of nervousness, a great degree of 
prostration, hallucination, illusion, mental wanderings. The 
immediate paroxysms are frequently very perplexing and diffi- 
cult to control — equally difficult in cases of delirium tremens 
from the use of tobacco as from the use of alcoholic beverages. 
The cases I have been called to treat, which were evidently due 



242 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to the use of tobacco, presented nothing uncommon to those 
which were consequent upon intoxicating drinks. 

If a hot water bath can be administered and free sweating 
induced it usually starts recovery as quick as anything that 
can be done. Then administer a dose of anti-bilious physic and 
keep the patient quiet as possible. The patient soon disposes 
to sleep and in three hours or so, gives visible evidence of rap- 
idly progressing recovery. 

Five drops of tincture of nux vomica added to four ounces 
of water, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every half 
hour, lengthening the time to every two hours as betterment 
manifests, is effective in mild cases. This remedy removes the 
nervous irritability, anxiety, exhaustion and wakefulness ac- 
companying this unpleasant exhibition. 

A dose of salts sometimes relieves the paroxysm. 

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS. 

One grain of sugar of milk added to half a teacupful of hot 
water, and this quantity given every two or three hours, is 
said to have been effective. 

A wine glass of vinegar is said to sober these cases up 
quickly. 

Freely drinking of fresh apple cider is also reported to speed- 
ily effect a cure. 

MILK-SICKNESS. 

The affliction called "milk-sickness," is found to exhibit 
among the human family in some locations. It affects cows, 
and is presumed to be communicated to the milk and butter, 
and through this medium to the human family. It is supposed 
to be due to poison eaten by the cows. My brother-in-law, 
W. E. Baird, elder in the C. P. church, Irving, Illinois, while 



GENERAL DISEASES. 243 

in a locality where it was prevalent, learned the following facts 
regarding it: "That cows, horses, sheep, and domestic fowls, 
are subject to it. The human family appears to get it from 
using the milk and butter. The disease is considered most 
prevalent and most dangerous in the dry seasons. It is not 
certainly known that stock feeding on tame pasture is free 
from its danger, though it is considered prudent to remove 
stock from timbered land pasture in the fall season. Drinking 
well water does not prohibit it, and drinking creek and branch 
water is supposed to increase the danger risk. The appear- 
ance of frost does not altogether remove danger of being 
affected by it, though hard freezing is supposed to do so. 
Stock that has been affected with it seems never to entirely 
recover. ' ' 

There is nothing known of its real cause and nature. The 
flesh of cattle affected with it does not present any appearance 
by which it may be detected from the healthy, neither does 
the butter nor cheese. It very frequently results fatally. 
When there is recovery, there is a lingering debility following 
a long time; in some cases that had a severe attack, the un- 
pleasantness lingering for several years. I have met some cases 
who claimed never to have been free from unpleasant ries fol- 
lowing the attack of it. Cattle affected with it "tremble, 
stagger, and soon die.' r 

Dr. Joseph Cobb, my husband, had a large experience in 
treating this disease, and I give his description and treat- 
ment, as I know it was successful in curing nearly every case. 
1 'Milk-sickness manifesting in the human family, the patient 
experiences a sensation of languor and lassitude, or extreme 
debility, especially in the lower limbs. There is a disagreeable 
sinking sensation in the stomach followed by intense nausea 



244 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and vomiting usually, and the bowels are obstinately consti- 
pated. 

"Fever and great thirst are present, but all ordinary sub- 
stances and fluids taken into the stomach are immediately 
ejected. One of the most prominent symptoms presenting in 
this disease is its marked similarity to symptoms of arsenic 
poison. 

"The usual remedies administered in fevers, biliousness, and 
like affections, the stomach absolutely refuses to retain, and 
this feature is the chief one to overcome. Periodicity may or 
may not be present, and is not a prime symptom. 

"The remedy that in my treatment of this disease proved 
successful in allaying the nausea and vomiting, dispelling the 
constipation, and placing the patient well onto the way to re- 
covery, is Epsom salts in whisky. Add the salts to the 
whisky as long as it will dissolve the salts ; this is the strength 
for mixing the potion. The dose is, one half a teacupful, or 
two fluid ounces, every two hours, or according to the severity 
of the case. In fact what the patient will bear, short of pro- 
ducing intoxication. Milder cases may take it a little less fre- 
quently. There is seldom any more medicine needed, the im- 
provement going on to recovery, with the addition of proper 
feeding and hygienic care." 

Sometimes the attack comes on suddenly without any other 
particular initiatory symptoms, than the first manifestations, 
this being the nausea and vomiting. Pulsations over the ab- 
domen, pain in the head, ringing in the ears, and delirium, are 
sometimes present. 

INFLUENZA. 

Catarrhal fever, called also influenza, la grippe, and bad 
cold, are the same morbid condition resulting from the same 



GENERAL DISEASES. 245 

causes, differing only in different degrees of severity, and while 
there may manifest a variety of symptoms or little peculiarities, 
there are leading symptoms common to each degree of severity. 
There is the prostration of strength, fever, aching, catarrhal 
discharge, the deficient and perverted secretion and excretion, 
and the disturbed or irritated digestive function. The prostra- 
tion of strength and the fever are general, the aching may also 
be general or confined to some part, as the head, face, chest, 
or limbs and back. Also, the discharge, which may present 
from the eyes in flowing tears, and the eyes may exhibit a red 
or "blood-shot" appearance, or, if greater severity manifests, 
there may be mucous, or muco-purulent discharge. The dis- 
charge from the nose may be first watery, the severity increas- 
ing, abundant discharge of greenish-colored mucous, or muco- 
purulence may exhibit. The laryngial, bronchial or plurial 
membranes may be like or similarly affected, or any cavity or 
part invested with a mucous or serous membrane. 

Other various names, as pneumonia, pluritis, nasal, laryn- 
gial and bronchial catarrh, catarrh of the stomach, catarrh oi 
the bowels, and catarrh of the kidneys or urinary organs, are 
mentioned, but all are due to the same morbid conditions pri- 
marily. The prostration of strength, debilitated or atonic con- 
dition of the system, the deficient and perverted secretions and 
excretions, exhibit in all cases, in more or less marked degree. 

The morbid manifestations called "pink eye" and "epizootic," 
which have attacked the lower animals at various times or 
periods, are accompanied with symptoms and severity so like 
the above named manifestations that the difference is yet to be 
found. 

The name influenza was given to this morbid manifestation 
in Italy in about 1841, but it has doubtless exhibited in some 
degree, at various times, since the existence of the human fam- 



246 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ily. Also the same affection that when attacking the lower an- 
imals has been called "pink eye" and "epizootic." Also, influ- 
enza has doubtless appeared at times since the existence of the 
lower animals, though it can only be traced back to about 
1299, appearing then at Seville. The absence of recorded ap- 
pearances of it is not evidence that it has not appeared in the 
human family and lower animals from the beginning of time, 
as many notable events take place that never appear as mat- 
ters of record, and we have no evidence of change from the 
original plan of the decay of either animal or vegetable 
matter. 

Its prevalence is especially during a long continued cold and 
wet weather, and may appear at any time and place when and 
where these prostrating influences exist. The immediate parox- 
ysm is usually provoked by undue exposure or severe hardships. 
There is usually experienced a sense of chilliness, or there may 
be complete rigor, a very shaking of the whole body; this is 
usually followed by flushes of heat, fever, and pain, which may 
confine or locate as above described. 

The attack is preceded by a general feeling of indisposition 
of variable duration, and the subsidence of the attack leaves 
the patient prostrated, with inaptitude for bodily or mental 
exertion, frequently with a troublesome cough for some time, 
and often there is a tendency to relapse, even after good care 
and treatment. 

In addition to protecting from undue exposures, and giving 
rest, many of the milder attacks require but little more treat- 
ment. An alcohol vapor bath and a hot water foot bath ad- 
ministered at the same time to produce free sweating, and hot 
teas drunk to promote it, rest in the recumbent position, and 
some laxative remedy to produce active biliary alvine excretion, 



GENERAL DISEASES. 247 

will disperse the attack in nearly every case, especially quick in 
its early beginning. 

In addition to the above treatment, the following may be 
given should there appear to remain a condition of fe verishness : 
Take tincture of aconite, five drops ; water, four ounces. Mix 
and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every hour or every two 
hours. 

For producing the alvine excretions, take the capsules (see 
remedies in this book,) (or powders, to children,) or any one 
of the mixtures containing cascara and podophyllin, directed in 
this work, or, the following sulphur mixture: Sulphur, cream 
of tartar, and licorice root in powder, of each, two heaped 
tablespoonfuls ; an even teaspoonful of nitre, and one-fourth of 
a grain of podophyllin. Mix thoroughly, then add sufficient 
honey to leave it but little thicker than honey. A teaspoonful 
of the mixture given three times a day acts efficiently in any 
of the stages of this annoyance. The above dose is for adults. 
The mixture may be taken dry. In conditions of greater sever- 
ity, treat as for pneumonia. 

PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

Several names have been given to the above affection, as 
acute pneumonia, secondary pneumonia, lobular pneumonia, 
and catarrhal pneumonia. The difference is in the different de- 
grees of severity and duration. It attacks persons of all ages. 
On account of males, especially after adult age, being more ex- 
posed to sudden changes and inclemencies of weather than 
females, males are more subject to its attacks. 

The manifestation is characterized by fever, and if of long 
duration there is a peculiar fetid odor to breath, sputa, and 
sweat ; there is cough, expectoration, more or less deep seated 
soreness, and perhaps aching in and about the lungs and 



248 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

throat. The excretions are abnormally performed, and the 
appetite may or may not be much changed. Sometimes the 
cough is most distressing, lacerating, and prostrating. Fre- 
quently the treatment is more rapidly effectual, if an alcohol 
vapor bath is administered to produce free perspiration. When 
this can be done, dry the body with brisk friction over the 
surface with a silk or woolen towel, or rag, and place the 
patient comfortably in bed. If the vapor bath cannot be ad- 
ministered, give a hot water sponge bath, drying the body as 
above. Hot w^ater bottles may be placed about the patient 
in bed, heated bricks, or heated ears of corn, or hot bags of 
sand, to promote sweating for an hour or so. And whether 
the sweating has been obtained, or not, apply freely the fol- 
lowing liniment over the lungs, chest and throat : Take glycer- 
ine, four ounces; olive oil, two ounces; spirits of turpentine, 
three ounces ; camphor gum, one ounce ; oil of peppermint, two 
drachms, and tincture of bear's foot, two drachms. Mix, and 
apply twice a day. (Dissolve the camphor gum in the turpen- 
tine, and then add the other ingredients.) 

If there is deep seated aching or soreness, seemingly next 
to the bones, in the limbs, or over the head, give the follow- 
ing till the unpleasantness subsides : Take fluid extract of 
bryonia, twenty drops; water, four ounces. Mix, and give a 
teaspoonful of the mixture every hour for four or five hours, if 
the suffering is great. Then give it every three hours during 
the day, so long as needed. In milder cases, give it every two 
hours in the beginning. 

For the pain, soreness, heavy, oppressed sensation in the 
lungs — with or without persistent cough, give the following : 
Take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm ; glycerine and water, of 
each, four ounces. Mix, and the first twelve hours give a tea- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 249 

spoonful every three hours, if there is much severity. In mild 
cases give it three times a day. 

If the alvine actions are sluggish, give the capsules suffi- 
cient to produce free biliary alvine dejections (see capsules in 
remedies in this book). In the beginning of treatment if the 
tongue is coated, and it usually is, give a capsule every three 
hours till very free alvine action is seen; and then at the end 
of forty -eight hours or sixty hours, if the severity of all symp- 
toms are not markedly milder, give a capsule at 7 p. m. and an- 
other at 10 p. m. and repeat in three or four days if recovery 
is not well advanced. As the tongue becomes clean, it will be 
seen that recovery progresses nicely. 

If much fever is present, add five drops of tincture of acon- 
ite to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of the 
mixture every two hours, alternating this with the bryonia 
mixture — that is, give the aconite mixture one hour, and the 
bryonia mixture the next. 

I have met severe cases to whom I gave a full dose of the 
anti-bilious physic, the first remedy given, good results follow- 
ing very soon. 

CATARRH. 

The term catarrh has reference to a characteristic discharge 
from any organism of the human body invested with a mucous 
surface, as from the lungs in pneumonia; from the nasal cavi- 
ties after taking cold ; from the bowels, as in diarrhea, and 
from the urinary cavities. It is due to congestion and an atonic 
condition of the system. Any habits or influences that dispose 
to depress, exhaust, or promote excessive waste, or favor an 
atonic condition of the general system, as smoking and chew- 
ing tobacco, drinking intoxicating beverages, the morphine 
habit, depressing and exhausting labors, whether manual or 



250 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

mental, continued exposure to the depressing influences of 
either extreme heat or cold, or other depressing influences, may 
dispose to the condition. The condition disperses by establish- 
ing normal excretions, for which purpose the remedies directed 
in the treatment of influenza and pneumonia give the desired 
results. 

If excoriations or sores appear about the edges of the nasal 
cavities, or inflammations extend up into the cavities, camphor- 
ated vaseline applied well up into the part cures most cases. 
Half a teaspoonful each of golden seal and bayberry bark, in- 
corporated into an ounce of vaseline, forms a salve that heals 
these annoyances well. The golden seal alone, incorporated 
into the vaseline and applied, also will cure. 

Cleanse the parts with a pledget of cotton saturated with 
glycerine, and then with a new piece of cotton wet with the 
following, moisten well the affected parts, in the nasal cavities 
and about the edges where there may be sores: Ten drops of 
tincture of benzoin added to a fourth of a teacupful of water. 

A tablespoonful of spirits of turpentine incorporated into 
an ounce of vaseline makes an excellent curative application to 
catarrhal sores in the nasal cavities about the edges of the 
nose. 

In conditions of catarrhal discharges from the bowels or 
kidneys the castor oil purge, (to a tablespoonful of the castor 
oil taken add ten drops of spirits of turpentine,) and the hot 
water sitz-bath taken daily will pleasantly please with the cure 
it gives. 

If the catarrhal discharge is from the lungs, throat or bow- 
els, the liniment directed in the treatment of pneumonia may be 
applied over the region of the part. Essence of peppermint, 
both taken internally and applied over the region of the part 
seeming to be affected, gives a surprisingly curative effect. This 



GENERAL DISEASES. 251 

is an old and homely remedy, but the good never get too 
homely to be of value. An adult may take half a teaspoonful, 
on sugar, or as liked, three or four times a day. 

No matter from what part of the body the catarrhal dis- 
charge manifests, the capsules (see remedies in this book) taken, 
one every three hours, till biliary alvine dejections are seen, 
then one taken every third or fourth night for two or three 
weeks, is invaluable in these cases. The powder may be given 
without being placed in the capsules, if preferred. The mixture 
containing cascara and podophyllin, named in this book in the 
treatment of uraemia, may be given as above directed and 
equally good results follow. 

Equal parts of capsicum, cinchonidia and golden seal, mixed 
and taken, is a valuable aid to cure. Fill No. 2 capsules with 
this mixture and give one at seven and one at nine in the 
morning, and one at five in the afternoon. This is the best 
plan of taking for best results. And even in those cases that 
are annoyed with chilliness and sometimes undue moisture, this 
remedy taken in the same way, together with the other treat- 
ments herein directed, meets the needs. 

HAY-FEVER. 

Hay-fever is so nearly allied to asthma, that the treatment 
is comparatively alike. The embodiment of the treatment is, to 
keep the sewers of the body scavenged, well cleaned, and pro- 
tect the surface of the body from undue dampness. A silk pro- 
tector extending from the neck to below the hips should be 
worn all the year. 

Its comparative disappearance noticeable on the approach 
of cool weather, has been considered due to the absence of pol- 
len from plants, to the presence of which some attribute the 
cause. But evidence is absent for confirming this to be true, 



252 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and evidence is plentiful to show that country people are com- 
paratively free from it. 

Any influence that depresses, mentally or physically, aug- 
ments the severity or frequency of paroxysms. Persons ad- 
dicted to monotony, users of tobacco, intoxicants, excessive 
coffee drinkers, and gormandizers, are its vietims. 

ASTHMA. 

Asthma, like hay-fever, is an exhibiting symptom of syste- 
matic derangement. A wheezing, oppressive difficulty is experi- 
enced in breathing, sometimes proving exceedingly distressing. 

In patients disposed to this exhibit of disease, the habits 
have much more to do in promoting it than have been believed, 
and till patients can be convinced that they must endeavor to 
conform their habits to that which is congenial to the individ- 
ual person's self, not much betterment can be effected by medi- 
cation. 

After the system has taken on this disposition to get sick, 
various influences provoke a paroxysmal attack, chief among 
which are, mental worriment, vexations, and change in the con- 
dition of the weather. 

The eliminating functions are not well performed. And these 
subjects for some unaccountable reason, will bend forward and 
cup the shoulders as if they were determined to convert the 
chest and stomach into a ball-shape, thus cramping the parts 
to a degree of extensive interference of functional activity — in- 
terfering greatly with the breathing. Too much confinement 
indoors, exposures to dust and lint from handling dry articles, 
exposures to odors and mixtures of odors, are annoying fac- 
tors, and the system is seldom able to show but little resis- 
tence. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 253 

In attempting to benefit these patients, daily muscular ex- 
ercise must be enjoyed — not the easy, slow, creepy kind, pro- 
longed to exhaustion, but a vigorous bout for an hour or 
more to promote a vigorous circulation — to raise the sweat. 
Get the mind from its constant occupation, this gives rest and 
permits the vital forces to gather up their energies to continue 
life. 

A hot water sponging of the body, soaking the feet well 
in hot water, just before retiring, relieves the inner centers 
greatly from congestion, thus favoring a better condition for 
rest. Eating must be at regular times, and sleep taken in 
nature's time for it. Large quantities of heavy, bulky, greasy 
suppers must not be the habit. In these cases it is quite bet- 
ter to go to bed without supper. 

Accumulations of acid gas from undigested foods, and uric 
matters in the circulation, constitute a large portion of the 
irritating and depressing factors in asthma, and this is aug- 
mented by retained feces. And, when the condition has been 
of long duration, the membranes of the inner cavities become 
thickened, or continue in a swelled or inflamed state, to a 
degree. 

The habit of biliousness must be kept rid of. To allay the 
inflammation and reduce swellings, thus removing much irri- 
tability, take the following: Take glycerine and water, of each, 
four ounces; polymnia uvedalia, one drachm. Mix, and take 
one teaspoonful of the mixture three times a day. The sulphur 
mixture directed in treatment of influenza, may be given as 
there directed, for regulating the general habits of the system. 
In paroxysmal attacks, salts taken as directed for milk-sickness 
gives relief. 

Wainright, in Brit. Med. Jour., gives the following: ''Men- 
thol and carbonate of ammonia mixed and used as smelling 



254 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

salts. Patients reported the disappearance of the irritability, 
and in many cases no recurrence." 

Tincture of myrrh, one drachm, incorporated in an ounce 
of vaseline, and a portion placed up into the nasal cavities, at 
night is beneficial in annoyances of catarrh and asthma. The 
same quantity of oil of peppermint, mixed in the same quan- 
tity of vaseline, and used in the same way, also serves as re- 
lief, and gives quite a lasting benefit. 

C0RI2A— NOSE-RUN. 

Coriza, or nose-run is unsightly and distressing. Add five 
drops of tincture of aconite, to four ounces of water, and give 
a teaspoonful of the mixture, every hour, until six doses have 
been taken, then every two hours during the day, and continue 
for two or three days, will stop the effusion. And if given in 
the immediate onset, will save the patient many days of 
suffering. 

A capsule or a powder (see remedies in this book) taken 
just before going to bed, for two or three nights, will greatly 
facilitate recovery. 

Twenty drops of spirits of camphor added to half a tea- 
cupful of hot water, and a tablespoonful supped as hot as can 
be swallowed, every hour, is a disperser of this annoyance and 
unpleasant feeling from congestions or colds. 

The following tonic mixture taken as directed, frequently 
checks it in a short time : Take equal parts of cinchonidia, cap- 
sicum, ginger and golden seal. Mix thoroughly. Fill No. 2 
capsules with this mixture. If the nose-run is severe, take a 
capsule every two hours, till three have been taken. In milder 
cases, one taken half an hour before meals, three times a day 
will suffice. 

The above powder may be given to children by mixing it 
in sufficient syrup. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 255 

In cases where this manifestation disposes to return, or 
disposes to continue, a remedy must be given to arouse the 
liver to assist in dispersing the morbid annoyance. For this 
purpose the capsules (see remedies in this book) or any of the 
mixtures containing cascara and podophyllin, may be taken as 
they are directed. 

One dose of the anti-bilious physic taken the first thing 
after getting up in the morning serves well in some cases. 
Also, the capsules (see remedies in this book), may be taken, 
one every three hours till free alvine dejections are seen, or the 
powder may be taken without putting it in the capsules. 

CROUP. 

Croup, like the different manifestations of sore throat, re- 
sults from a morbid condition of the constitution, though it is 
usually provoked, and an attack hastened, by undue exposures 
of weather. This disease also appears to confine to persons of 
the lymphatic temperament, the fat and the lean ones rarely 
becoming its victims. 

It is usually confined to children from one year old to five 
years, though persons are found who are subject to its attacks, 
occasionally, up to fifty years of age. 

The premonitory symptoms of this type of disease are so 
near like those of the sore throat called diphtheria, that it is 
useless to repeat them here. 

The immediate onset is marked by more or less cough of a 
ringing metallic, coarse, heavy tone. It most frequently makes 
its first appearance at night, increasing in severity till after 
midnight, the symptoms then subsiding to some extent, usually 
only to return again with greater severity the next night, es- 
pecially if the proper means have not been used to dispel the 
attack. This recurrence of increasing severity of symptoms may 



256 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

continue for from three to seven days before the disease reaches 
the acme, when fatal termination ensues if relief is not given. 
A person of the diathesis to have the disease once may have 
it any number of times. It is claimed by many that this affec- 
tion advances unexpectedly, but this assertion is simply due to 
lack of observation. 

This morbid condition is given several names, as simple 
croup, membraneous croup, etc., but it is the same one disease, 
differing only in degrees of severity. The exudation, mucous 
discharge, is frequently very thick, tough and tenacious; this 
exudation is termed by many doctors, "false membrane." 
When the acme of this disease appears, there is a great pros- 
tration which has been developing for some time. This pros- 
trated condition of the system, the swelled and inflamed parts, 
together with the accumulations of exudations, the mucous 
discharges, causes death if unrelieved. 

The quickest relief I ever obtained from remedies, or ever 
saw obtained, was secured from the administration of the 
podophyllin powder (see podophyllin powder, in remedies in 
this book). I gave a two grain powder, every six hours, relief 
being obtained long before the second was given. Vomiting 
ensues following this remedy when given in these cases, and 
clears the breathing way. In six hours another powder should 
be given. In conditions where the throat is full of exudations, 
and the glands swelled, there needs reduction of the glands 
and removal of the exudations. Washing the throat with the 
mop-swab well saturated with glycerine, is the surest and 
speediest way to remove these adhering exudations. In addi- 
tion to removing the exudation, the effect of the glycerine to 
the parts is the withdrawal of excess of fluids, thus very much 
relieving the distention. Follow this cleansing with quickly 
mopping between the tonsils with a clean mop-swab well sat- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 257 

urated with olive oil to a teaspoonful of which has been added 
ten drops of spirits of turpentine, or essence of peppermint. A 
cleansing twice daily is sufficient, and morning and evening 
the best time. 

Give the polymnia uvedalia mixture, directed in treatment 
of pneumonia, as there directed. 

Cleansing the naval cavities with a wisp of cotton at- 
tached to a little probang, or stick, and the cotton well sat- 
urated with glycerine, serves kindly to cure irritations in these 
parts. If there is much soreness or excoriations about the 
edges of the nose or cavities, after cleansing with the glycerine, 
mix one part tincture of benzoin, with three parts of -water, 
and apply, or rinse the parts with it. 

OBSERVATIONS ON CROUP. 

Croupy symptoms are presenting for some time before a se 
vere paroxysm has manifested, and the observing mother, or 
attendant, can detect these symptoms, the disturbed breathing, 
the hoarse, metalic ringing cough. 

Soon as there are symptoms discovered, even though they 
are mild, give the patient a vigorous and quick physic, and the 
attack will be prevented from developing into a dangerous and 
perhaps fatal paroxysm. The spell will be broken up. Should 
symptoms re-appear, repeat the dose. For producing the action 
of the bowels, a large dose of Garfield Tea, is good and speedy ; 
or a powder of the podophyllin (which see in remedies in this 
book) may be given, and the dose may be repeated in four to 
six hours, if the attack seems not very much disposing to dis- 
perse. By prompt attention to children, much suffering can be 
averted and doubtless a life mav be saved. 

9- 



258 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

"DIPHTHERIA." 

Diphtheria is a name given to a morbid condition, the 
prominent exhibiting symptom being an inflamed and swelled 
condition of the tonsils and the adjacent parts of the throat. 
It is the "sore throat" that our mothers and grand-mothers 
cured with the salt-and-pepper gargles, the camphor, lard and 
turpentine applied to the throat with the red flannel rag, the 
soaking hot water foot-bath, and the molasses-and-sulphur 
physic, and the pepper-sauce gargles. 

The condition is a local manifestation of a constitutional 
disturbance — there is present a great general constitutional de- 
bility — an impoverished condition of the general system, defi- 
cient excretions and much congestion. There may or may not 
be an eruption over the body. 

The disease never manifests spontaneously — the victims are 
in a condition of continuing decline for weeks, in most cases 
before the local exhibition. There is a general break-down 
throughout the system, very much like typhoid fever, in many 
ways. 

The children of the lymphatic temperment are the suffer- 
ers. The vital energies in this temperament are of low grade, 
and appear to offer but little power of resistance to degener- 
ating influences, and these lymphatic bodies always having 
a super-abundance of lymph, water, there is a flood ready 
to exude from every mucous surface, and every gland and 
follicle throughout the system. 

The producing cause is undue degeneracy — deficient nu- 
trition, and deficient excretion, thus placing the system in the 
degenerating condition. It is due to "biliousness" and a "de- 
ranged stomach." 

When the inflammation and swellings exist in the mucous 
membranes or parts, the exudations sometimes become tough 



GENERAL DISEASES. 259 

and tenacious and in some cases do not dispose to remove 
without assistance. Relief from the congested condition in 
these parts must be had, and if not removed by correcting ex- 
cretions, exudation results — if the inflammation is confined to 
the mucous surfaces. If the congestion or inflammation extends 
to the tonsils, the disease having been permitted to go on, 
suppuration is the mode of excretion it takes on — the tonsils 
suppurating and discharging, frequently, like a sluggish boil. 
The "grayish spots" seen are either discharges from the sup- 
purating tonsils, or the mark or spot from which suppuration 
or discharge will escape; the "deep ulcer" appearance is due 
to the same causes that produce the same condition in any 
boil or ulcer at any other part of the body, and presents after 
the discharge of pus has taken place. 

If attention has been given, and treatment begun on the 
first appearance of swellings of the part, before exudation or 
suppuration is going on, either the capsules (see remedies in this 
book), or the powder taken without being put in the capsules, 
given, a dose every six hours till biliary alvine action is seen, 
and then given sufficiently frequent to continue two or three 
alvine dejections daily, for three to five days will, in addition 
to hot water spongings of the surface of the body, proper feed- 
ing and rest, and protection from cold, cure the sufferer. 

If the sore throat has been permitted to continue till the 
nose, throat and mouth are full and spouting over, and the 
tonsils have ulcerated, the discharge from them exhibiting the 
"patches," the work of restoration to health is a greater task, 
requiring much more watchfulness and care. When this condi- 
tion presents, or, when the fullness is present but the discharges 
do not dispose to remove, give the above powder, a dose every 
three hours till the above effect is obtained, then discontinue 
the powders and give the following : Take polymnia uvedalia, 



260 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

one drachm ; glycerine and water, of each, four ounces. Mix, 
and give a teaspoonful three times a daj. Spraying the throat 
when in this condition amounts to very little good. Use the 
mop-swab, saturate it well with pure glycerine, press down the 
tongue, and with a wiping movement bring the mop-swab be- 
tween the tonsils and thus bring out the morbid exudations and 
discharges. Permit the patient to rest five minutes or so, and 
then add twenty drops of spirits of turpentine to a teaspoon- 
ful of castor oil, and saturate well a new mop-swab with this 
mixture, and apply in the same way to the tonsils as above. 
Administer this treatment morning and evening. Essence of 
peppermint instead of turpentine is equally good. 

Confine a bit of new cotton around a very small probang 
or pencil, saturate it with glycerine and introduce it into the 
nasal cavities and cleanse them ; then add twenty drops of 
tincture of benzoin to two ounces of water, and with a new 
cotton mop, saturated with this benzoin mixture, rinse the 
nasal cavities. After cleansing any sore that may be about the 
nose or mouth, with glycerine, rinse them with the benzoin 
mixture. 

Prohibit foods till the biliary alvine action is obtained, be- 
fore directed, then give the foods at the three times a day, but 
do not continue feeding or mincing at all times throughout the 
day. 

By cleaning the tonsils with the above means, the catarrhal 
secretions that do not dispose to remove without assistance, 
are removed and brought away, thus preventing accumulations. 
This is the chief object striven for, as it is the accumulation 
of catarrhal exudation from these parts, and swellings of the 
parts, thus closing the breathing way, that causes death in a 
large number of these cases. Added to this is the run down 
condition of the system which permits but little resistance. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 261 

Phytolacca, five drops, added to four ounces of water, and 
a teaspoonful of the mixture given, to a child three to seven 
years old, every two hours during the day, aids much in re- 
ducing the swellings of the tonsils, if not too near suppu- 
ration. 

Also, fluid extract of bryonia, ten drops added to three 
ounces of water, a teaspoonful of which may be given every 
two hours during the day, with much benefit, in any stage of 
the disease. 

Two parts water, and one part of essence of peppermint, 
makes a valuable wash for the throat, and if the throat is 
not full of catarrhal accumulations, it may be sprayed into 
the throat — if the throat is full, apply with the mop-swab. 
The essence of peppermint applied freely over the throat and 
well up around the ears, lessens the severity of swelling and 
soreness, and very markedly hastens the cure. 

Equal parts of spirits of camphor and water, also makes 
a valuable wash for dispersing the inflammation and swellings 
from these parts, its action being rapid and effective. 

Frequent supping of hot water, hot as can be supped, not 
warm, aids very greatly in reducing swellings in the tonsils 
and throat. 

The following is a valuable alterative tonic for giving to 
these patients for aiding in continuing the restoration to 
health : Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces ; tinct- 
ure of gentian, one-fourth of a drachm ; tincture of golden seal, 
half an ounce; tincture of prickly ash berries, half an ounce; 
and glycerine, six ounces. Mix, and to a child three to five 
years old, give a teaspoonful, three times a day. Two ounces 
of simple sj^rup may be added to the above, to improve the 
taste. 



262 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

When there is fetid or offensive odor about the breath of 
the patient, add half a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa, to 
half a glass of water, and give a teaspoonful of this mixture 
two times a da}" till the odor disappears. 

A heaped teaspoonful of sulphur, added to a glass of water, 
a teaspoonful given every ten to twenty minutes, to a child 
eight months to a year old, has been recommended for curing 
croup and sore throat in any and all of its forms. It is doubt- 
less excellent. 

Essence of peppermint, four ounces ; spirits of turpentine, 
two ounces ; and mucil. acacias, two ounces. Mix, and to a 
child three to five years old, give a teaspoonful three times a 
day. This has been recommended for this condition of sore 
throat. 

Both the peppermint and turpentine are rapidly diffusive, 
and speedily disperse swelling and soreness, hence, aid re- 
covery. But instead of mucil acacias, I would use equal parts 
of glycerine, olive oil, also simple syrup, one ounce of each. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Diphtheria never develops spontaneously. It is not "caught," 
it develops within the system's self. Ere the tonsils have man- 
ifested swellings to much extent, the gastric follicles or glands 
of the stomach are much more disturbed, and there is a general 
condition of morbidness throughout the system, and really the 
congested, inflamed and swelled condition of these parts are con- 
sequents. "Biliousness" and "stomach trouble," a common par- 
lance, quite well expresses the condition. 

If mothers and attendants will take the trouble to notice, 
they will call to mind that the patient had been exhibiting in- 
disposition in increasing severity for several days before the 
seeming attack. Fretfulness, dull and drowsiness, tongue 



GENERAL DISEASES. 263 

coated, breath offensive, bowels and urinary excretions not well 
performed, and the swellings about the tonsils manifesting and 
increasing. The hardness of the tonsils can be felt from the 
outside, and the swelling seen inside by pressing the tongue 
down and looking. 

There are several remedies that either may be given and 
thus prevent the sickness to continue developing till the tonsils 
suppurate, which is simply the condition in the throat in diph- 
theria. 

A full dose of Garfield Tea given every morning, before the 
patient eats, for three mornings, and then a dose every other 
to every third or fourth morning till three or four doses more 
have been taken, will serve, if taken early. 

Two grains of the podophyllin powder, prepared as directed 
in single remedies in this book, given mixed in water, or as 
liked, a dose every four or six hours, till dejections from the 
bowels has freely appeared. This powder may be given mixed 
in sorghum molasses. This powder serves best if much severity 
has exhibited. 

Free applications of essence of peppermint over the throat, 
tonsils, and well up around the ears, are excellent for dispersing 
the swelling and soreness from these parts. It may be applied 
three or four times a day. A dose of this taken on sugar, per- 
mitting it to dissolve slowly in the mouth is a helpful hastener 
to cure. 

Glycerine is a rapid disperser of congestion, swelling and in- 
flammation and promotes healing, hence it serves so well for 
internal use in the throat. 

SORE THROAT. 

There are kinds, and kinds, of sore throat — or, sensibly 
speaking, sore throat of different degrees of severity. Many 



264 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

names are given to sore throat, but the difference is really in 
the different degrees of severity, and the causes are so very alike 
that it is difficult to describe the difference. Many of the vari- 
ous names, however, are becoming obsolete, thus removing 
much horror-stress associated with the morbid condition, and 
leaving it to more readily get well. 

In all conditions of sore throat the general system is over- 
loaded with its own debris and detritus, (morbid matters), and 
this must be got rid of to effect a cure in all cases. 

The clergymen's and public speakers' sore throat will disap- 
pear by resting from speaking and taking muscular exercise to 
aid the system in ridding itself of its own detritus. In severe 
cases the capsules (see remedies in this book), taken as directed; 
or polymnia uvedalia, half a drachm ; water and glycerine, of 
each two ounces. Mix and administer; giving a teaspoonful 
of this mixture three times a day before meals hastens the dis- 
persion of the ailment. 

Recovery is hastened in all the degrees of severity, of all 
manifestations of sore throat either by taking the mixture con- 
taining cascara and podophyllin, as directed in this book in 
the treatment of uraemia, or the capsules, (see remedies in this 
book), or the powder taken without placing it in the capsules. 

A tablespoonful of the cascara mixture may be taken by an 
adult every night, for two or three nights, then every other to 
every fifth night till recovery is well establishing. The capsules 
or powders are to be taken with the same frequency. 

If much severity has developed, a dose of either of the above 
should be taken every four hours till free biliary alvine dejec- 
tions follow. In fact these remedies are of prime importance in 
all cases of sore throat. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 265 

By changing the size of the dose the above remedies and 
treatments meet the requirements in cases of both sexes and all 
ages. 

The above remedies are efficient in cases of enlarged tonsils. 
If the tonsils have become inflamed and progressed to the for- 
mation of pus, this will evacuate (very similar to a boil), when 
healing can go on. Mopping the tonsils, moistening the mop 
with hot water, to a teaspoonful of which has been added five 
drops of spirits of turpentine, hastens the cure. Also a mop- 
ping with pure glycerine, preferably, is a hastener to recovery. 
If the inflammation has not progressed to the formation of 
pus, tincture of philotacca, five drops added to four ounces of 
water, is a remedy a teaspoonful of which administered every 
two hours will very frequently disperse the trouble. 

Where there is a redness in the throat, frequent gargles of 
briskly strong black pepper tea will give the cure. 

The worst types of sore throat are those due to the use of 
tobacco by either chewing or smoking, and to syphilitic taint. 
The above remedies are also efficient in these last named cases. 

HEADACHE. 

There are headaches, and headaches, varying a little in 
severity and location, but nearly every one arises from the 
same cause. 

That constant headache, aches everywhere and through 
your head, arises with you in the morning, accompanies you 
all day, and visits your dreams at night, but occasionally 
flatters you that it is gone, the following treatment will dis- 
perse: Take pulsatilla, five drops; water four ounces. Mix, 
and to an adult, give a teaspoonful of the mixture every two 
hours during the day. Give a capsule (see remedies) at night 



266 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

just before going to sleep. Continue taking the medicine till 
cured. 

That headache that appears accompanied with nausea and 
nervousness is not conducive to comfort. Tincture of nux 
vomica, five drops, added to four ounces of water, a teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture taken every hour, till four doses have been 
taken, then taken every two hours, will disperse the annoy- 
ance. A hot water sponge bath followed by a sleep is a kind, 
soothing assistant in bringing relief, in all attacks of headache. 
If the entire body cannot be bathed, bathe the feet. A dose of 
the anti-bilious physic is a first good promoter of recovery in 
these cases. 

When the headache presents accompanied with dizziness, 
blindness, or disturbance of vision, the veins are usually full 
and stand out and the tongue is nastily coated. Take cascara 
aromatic, one ounce ; simple syrup, and glycerine, of each, 
two ounces ; tincture of buchu, one ounce ; podophyllin, 
one grain, and oil of peppermint, half a drachm. Mix, and 
take a tablespoonful every night just before going to sleep, 
continuing taking it till recovery. In severe cases take a t 
spoonful of the mixture every three hours till free bilary &c\ 
is seen. This remedy is by no means amiss, given in all cases 
of headache. 

Another headache has a sharp cutting pain across the 
forehead, in the eyes, and sometimes a throbbing, generally 
soreness through all of the head, especially across the forehead, 
with more or less sense of fullness, somewhat as if attacked 
with "swelled head," in fact. Fluid extract of bryonia, twenty 
drops, added to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the 
mixture given every half hour till four or five doses have been 
given (in severe cases), then every two hours, will give happy 
relief. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 267 

This form of headache usually manifests after, "taking cold." 
The type of aches appearing along the lower limbs, in fact, any 
part of the body, accompanied with aching-soreness, often re- 
maining very near the bones, the above remedy proves effective 
in dispersing. 

That dull sleepy headache, can't keep awake, feet and legs 
go to sleep and hands and arms feel inclined to, is ugly com- 
pany. Take a hot water bath, drying the body with much fric- 
tion, then take a dose of that electric pain-dispeller — anti-bilious 
physic, roll up in a blanket and keep very quiet for a short 
while and that sleepy feeling will soon disappear. This is es- 
pecially beneficial in cases given to sedentary habits and gross 
eating. 

The headache that comes purely from fatigue, a hot water 
bath and sleep — not unconsciousness which comes from taking 
morphine and its companions, but natural sleep ; this natural 
sleep will follow a vigorous hot water bath, and the headache 
will be gone when you awake. 

MEASLES. 

Measles is characterized by a rash or eruption over the 
body; it may be preceded and accompanied by more or less 
fever, malaise, restlessness, and prostration. Restlessness, fret- 
fulness, coriza, or nose-run, red and watery eyes, are frequently 
the first symptoms that indicate that any ailment is appear- 
ing. These symptoms may exhibit five or eight days before 
more decided symptoms develop, or even before fever in any 
marked degree manifests. Or, symptoms during this develop- 
ing stage may be so mild as to attract no attention, and the 
rash or eruption, may be all aglow before attention has been 
attracted. 

The rash may appear in spots, but when fully out, it may 
appear run together covering the surface. There is some swell- 



268 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ing over the surface and there usually exhibits to the touch 
some slight sensation of "goose-pimple, " over the skin. The 
duration of the eruption is from three to five days, when des- 
quamation, or scaling off, begins. At this period itching is 
more or less annoying. This may be overcome by sponging 
the surface of the body with very warm water, or rubbing 
over the body with ' 'bacon rind," which though not appear- 
ing very esthetic, is quite valuable in this itching little trial. 

A large per cent of cases require no more special treatment 
than keeping the patient protected from cold and administer- 
ing the hot water sponge-baths. 

If the rash is slow to appear, an alcohol vapor bath is 
generally successful in bringing it out; by producing sweating 
the determination to the surface of the impurity is favored and 
its escape aided, thus hastening its appearance on the surface. 
Pennyroyal tea, saffron, and sage tea, are given to promote 
sweating thus favoring the above result, or in developing the 
rash. Keeping the patient very warm and permitting cold 
water drunk when desired, has also been followed by well de- 
velopment of the rash. 

If the patient is dull and drowsy, and the surface of the 
body tones to a dark purplish tint in color, yet the measles 
do not appear, give the following: Add five drops of tincture 
of belladonna, to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful 
of the mixture every two hours, to a patient over twelve 
years old. To others proportionate to age. Usually from four 
to five doses is sufficient. 

Occasionally a case is met in which the prominent symptoms 
of measles present, yet the rash does not appear, and the usual 
means administered for favoring their appearance fails to sup- 
ply the assistance needed. The skin presents a dirty-yellow r ish 
color, and the tongue is also of the same color; nausea, and 



GENERAL DISEASES. 269 

occasionally vomiting are present. To a patient presenting the 
above appearance, give the following: Take simple syrup and 
glycerine, of each, one ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre, half an 
ounce ; and podophyllin, half a grain ; essence of peppermint, 
two drachms. Mix, and give a teaspoonful every three hours 
till alvine action is seen — from one to three doses usually being 
sufficient, or, a capsule (see remedies in this book), given as 
the above is directed, will usually bring out the eruption. The 
writer has effected as much, even when all the usual remedies 
used for this purpose had failed to give the assistance. The 
powder may be given without putting it in the capsules. 

One or two doses of the chlorate of potassa mixture (see 
remedies in this book), given during the day, will disperse the 
fetid odor which accompanies the acme of the eruption, and 
also, it aids in preventing undesirable throat troubles. 

Equal parts of glycerine, essence of peppermint, spirits of 
camphor, of each, two drachms; simple syrup four ounces. 
Mixed, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every hour or 
every two hours, will disperse the ugly mucous rattle that 
sometimes annoys the throat in cases of verv small children. 
This dose is for a child five to eight years old. 

Drosera, five drops, added to four ounces of water, a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture given every three hours, usually dis- 
perses the cough that occasionally accompanies measles. 

If there are undue swellings or dropsical manifestations, 
either accompanying or consequent to the measles, the following 
serves the best purpose for dispersing the morbid condition of 
any remedy with which I am familiar: Take sulphur and 
cream of tartar, of each, half a teacupful ; and podophyllin, one 
half of a grain. Thoroughly mix, and give an even teaspoonful 
of the mixture, morning and evening. This dose is for a child 



270 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

four to eight years old. Any and all cases make a safer recov- 
ery if this remedy is given. 

A little sulphur may be burned in the patient's room every 
second day. A little oil of wintergreen mixed with water, 
sprayed or sprinkled about the bed draperies and the patient's 
linens, disperses unpleasant odors, leaving an agreeable purity 
to the surrounding atmosphere. 

The cup of hot water, followed with taking the juice of an 
orange, is the best beginning of the feeding. In feeble conditions 
of the appetite, a teaspoonful of maltine with pancreatine and 
pepsin given before each meal, disperses unpleasant disturb- 
ance, favors digestion, and leaves agreeable comfort. 

If severe throat disturbances manifest, give the treatment 
for diptheria directed in this book. 

There is but one kind of measles— just measles ; though se- 
verity of morbidness may accompany an exhibition in varying 
degrees. While it may produce a complication, or a complica- 
tion manifests, yet the measly part is only measles. Since the 
various nationalities have married and inter-married so that it 
is next to impossible to tell the other from which, the measles 
have taken on the same racket, and we now have no more 
"French," "Dutch," nor even "Black" measles. 

SCARLET FEVER. 

Scarlet fever, like measles, mumps, and other diseases that 
usually attack the person but once in a life time, is due to ex- 
isting conditions within the individual body's self independent 
of other bodies about it, and any body in which these condi- 
tions exist, is likely to develope scarlet fever, and without hav- 
ing to run very far to "catch it." Every individual does not 
experience an attack of scarlet fever, neither is every one at- 
tacked with small pox not withstanding the efforts of vaccin- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 271 

nation to help them to develop it. This is simply due to the 
conditions not existing in that body's self (that body that 
escapes the attack) not having the existing conditions neces- 
sary to develope it, or, that its presence was so mild as not to 
attract attention. 

Scarlet fever varies, and modifies in degrees of severity very 
like measles. The treatment and care necessary for aiding and 
favoring its development, and the restoration to health, are 
so essentially alike that it is difficult to draw the line where 
difference is the needed thing. 

The malaise, languor, debility and disposition to degeneracy 
though varying in intensity, is somewhat more marked in 
scarlet fever than in measles, and the depression proportion- 
ately greater, and the lymphatic glandular system appears to 
be a little more engaged in the disturbance, and to this is due 
the more likelihood of the tonsils becoming inflamed and ulcer- 
ating, as they frequently do. 

Its usual appearance when the eruption is well developed, 
is the red glow all over the surface of the body, looking by 
ordinary observation, as an uninterrupted red display; but by 
close inspection there is found the little spots — though most 
frequently quite minute, yet they are present, and though 
never prominent in quite the same manner as those of measles, 
yet welt or ridge-like prominences have manifested, and in 
some cases so prominent as to threaten vesication. 

The immediate onset of fever is usually preceded by some 
degree of chill, or chilly sensations, and which frequently recur 
till desquamation is beginning. 

The patients should be placed in a very comfortably warm 
bed, and covered with woolen blanket, or blankets, to preserve 
an evenness of warmth about the patient, and be kept quiet. 
The body should be sponge-bathed, using hot water, every day 



272 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

till recovery is established. This favors the appearance of the 
eruption, lessens the severity of the disease, and hastens a 
perfect recovery. 

Many patients recover, requiring no more special treatment 
than being well protected from cold, permitted quiet and rest, 
bathed and properly fed. Many of these patients are almost 
worried to death by being over-dosed, and the too frequent 
exhibition of food. 

The teas directed given in the treatment of measles may be 
given the scarlet fever patient to favor the eruption upon the 
surface of the body. If it does not properly appear from keep- 
ing the patient warm and the drinking of the hot teas, admin- 
ister the alcohol vapor bath, being careful to not permit chill 
air to pass over the patient to produce a suggestion of chill 
while removing the patient to bed. Should this not develope 
the rash or eruption, add five drops of tincture of belladonna 
to four ounces of water and give a teaspoonful of this mixture 
every hour or two hours when, following the third or fourth 
dose, the eruption will usually be seen to display, and then 
this remedy need not be given. 

Much severity and suffering may be avoided and prevented 
by being watchful and permitting no morbid symptom to pro- 
gress. Some degree of sore throat may always be expected in 
all eruptive fevers. As soon as attention has been attracted to 
the condition of sickness, at once examine the throat, and even 
though the indications of swelling be mild, it will not be amiss 
to give the following, which will disperse the swellings and in- 
flammation that may be present and prevent the centering of 
congestion and consequent inflammation in the tonsils and 
about the throat : Take essence of peppermint, four ounces ; 
spirits of turpentine, two drachms ; spirits of camphor, two 
drachms ; sweet spirits of nitre and tincture of btichu, of each 



GENERAL DISEASES. 273 

half an ounce; glycerine and olive oil, of each two ounces. Mix, 
and to a child four to six years old give a teaspoonful three 
times a day till desquamation is manifesting. 

If the patient presents much degree of severity, or disposes 
to be slow in recovering, add one grain of podophyllin, one 
drachm of tincture of ginger and two ounces of simple syrup to 
the above mixture, and to children of above age give half a 
teaspoonful three times a day. 

These remedies are adaptable to all ages of patients, and 
by observing the above directions and giving these remedies 
accordingly, a perfect recovery will be obtained, and no bad 
sequela of kidney trouble or dropsy will follow. 

If suppurating of the tonsils manifests, treat as directed for 
sore throat — for diphtheria. 

WHOOPING COUGH. 

There are many of the symptoms accompanying the develop- 
ment of whooping cough that are identical with symptoms of 
measles and scarlet fever. There is the languor, the restlessness, 
paleness, appetite disturbed, eyes watery and more or less red, 
especially under the eyes there is a red circle. The glandular 
system is more or less disturbed, as is evidenced by the enlarge- 
ment of the tonsils, and, by the exhibitions of vomiting which 
are due to the disturbance of the gastric follicles of the stom- 
ach and from whence results the irritation of the stomach. Its 
progress is marked with the usual stages common to the erup- 
tive fevers, the stage of development, the stage of duration and 
the stage of decline. 

It rarely appears later than childhood, a few cases have ex- 
perienced more than one attack, occasionally it exhibits in sen- 
ility, while there are many persons who experience no attack 
during life. It continues from three weeks to three or five 



274 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

months. The severity is greater when attacking persons in the 
beginning of the cool autumn weather, than when its attack 
is experienced as the warm spring weather is about to make 
its advent. 

Usually no special treatment is required more than baths 
for cleanliness, protection from severe changes of the weather, 
and preventing undue bodily exercise. 

Frequently the distressing paroxysms are best relieved bv 
the frequent sups of hot water, the water hot not warm. A 
little glycerine added to the water sometimes increases its 
benefit. 

Half a teaspoonful of glycerine added to half a teacupful of 
hot water, and have the patient sup it while it is so hot as 
not to burn, relieves the paroxysm. A fourth of a drachm 
taken on sugar also disperses very severe paroxysms most ex- 
cellently. 

A heaped teaspoonful of equal parts of sulphur and cream 
of tartar, added to a pint of boiling water, let cool and take 
frequent sups, during the day. This ameliorates very much, 
the severity. 

Essence of peppermint three parts, and glycerine one part. 
Mix, and give a teaspoonful occasionally, or when the parox- 
ysms are distressing, also ameliorates the severity, the glycer- 
ine very mildly modifying biliary action, and the peppermint 
sedating or quieting disturbance of the parts, diminishing the 
spasmodic nature of the cough. 

Drosera, five drops, added to four ounces of water, a tea- 
spoonful of this mixture, given every hour to every four hours, 
is also of much use in this sickness. 

MUMPS.-PARODITIS. 
This disease is indicated by a painful swelling of the parotid 
glands, accompanied by more or less soreness and stiffness of 



GENERAL DISEASES. 275 

the neck. The immediate onset is frequently ushered in by a 
chill or chilliness, though for some days previous there is usu- 
ally a degree of languor experienced. The swelling frequently 
affects both glands at once; sometimes one is affected, and as 
that is recovering the other one becomes affected ; and some- 
times one is affected, and several years after, the other one is 
affected. 

It is one of the diseases that rarely attacks the same per- 
son more than once. 

More or less difficulty is experienced in deglutition and open- 
ing the mouth. There is always some fever, but as the disease 
progresses towards recovery it subsides. Mumps, like measles, 
scarlet fever, and small pox, are self-limited, or run a course — 
the swelling increasing till the fourth or fifth day, when, in 
mild cases, it disappears in from seven to fifteen days from the 
onset. 

It is usually confined to the period of girlhood and boy- 
hood, but occasionally it appears later in life. Males are more 
subject to its attacks than females. Its appearance is not con- 
fined to any special season of the year. 

Its cause is due to a morbid condition of the body affected 
and is not contagious. There are long periods of time when 
there is not a case to be found, as is also measles, scarlet fever, 
whooping cough, and other diseases that usually afflict the in- 
dividual but once in a lifetime, as well as the absence of many 
other diseases. Why many individuals are affected with certain 
types of disease once in a lifetime is not understood. 

The disease has a tendency to manifest in distant parts; 
in the female the mammary glands and the labia majora are 
attacked, and in the male the testicles. This manifestation is 
likely to appear during the active stage, or about the time the 
glandular enlargement is about to subside from the parotids. 



276 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

This is not a translation of the disease from the parotid glands 
to the parts above named, as many suppose, but is an addi- 
tional manifestation from the same morbid cause within the 
system that gave rise to the parotid glandular affection. It is 
accompanied by the same symptoms of painful swellings, stiff- 
ness and soreness, and is present in some degree in all cases, 
though generally mild — usually so mild as to attract no atten- 
tion. 

The manifestation of this inflammation in the distant 
parts does not always appear synchronous with the inflam 
mation of the parotid glands. I met a case in which the in- 
flammation affected the labia majora, four years after the 
patient had been affected with the mumps. The case was one 
of considerable severity, requiring several days' stay in bed. 

Very rarely this disease terminates in suppuration — occa- 
sionally it does, and may do so in cases of great debility, and 
badly managed cases. This disease may prove fatal, or occa- 
sion permanent difficulty, notwithstanding it has been consid- 
ered a disease not attended with seriousness, and though usu- 
ally it is not. 

The patient, even in the mildest cases, should remain quiet, 
in bed being preferable, and be kept comfortably warm, and 
the room comfortably warm, so that in moving about, or in 
and out of bed, the air does not chill. It is very unwise for 
the patient to pass into cold rooms, or out of the house into 
cold damp air. The affected parts should be covered with a 
silk or woolen scarf. A hot water bath or a sponging off 
with hot water should be administered each day, and espec- 
ially should the feet be bathed, soaked, as it aids greatly in 
abating the severity of the disease, and hastening the re- 
covery. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 277 

An alterative medicine should be given in all cases to re- 
move any abnormalities from the system, and thus prevent 
any undesirable sequelae. The following will be found to serve 
the purpose : Take fluid extract of cascara aromatic, half an 
ounce; simple syrup and glycerine, of each, three ounces; sweet 
spirits of nitre, one ounce ; podophyllin, one grain. Mix, aud 
take a teaspoonful every four hours till free alvine action is 
seen, then a dose sufficiently frequent to continue free excre- 
tions daily. 

It is not always necessary to make medical applications 
to the parotid glands, but occasionally much painfullness ac- 
companies the manifestation. The following applied, gives 
soothing relief: Take tincture of arnica, one ounce ; spirits of 
camphor, two ounces ; aqua ammonia, half an ounce ; and oil 
of peppermint, one-fourth of an ounce; spirits of turpentine, 
two ounces ; and castor oil , one ounce. Mix, and apply twice 
a day. Also, frequent hot water baths to these parts relieves 
pain and removes swellings. 

The patient should avoid exposures, and much exercise for 
a month or six weeks after the soreness and swellings have 
subsided. During the acme of the disease the patient should 
keep perfectly quiet. 

If the inflammation and swellings appear in distant parts, 
the testicles in the male, and the labia majora in the female, 
administer a hot water sitz-bath, also, the hot water foot bath, 
of half an hour duration, and place the patient in a warm bed 
and keep the patient quiet. If the sitz-bath cannot be adminis- 
tered, apply woolen mats wrung from hot water to the parts, 
change them sufficiently frequent to keep them hot. Or, hops 
and bran mixed and moistened with, hot water and applied hot 
to the parts. Equal parts of spirits of camphor and hot 
water, applied, will disperse this swelling in a few hours — will 



278 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

disperse the pain in less than thirty minutes. The writer has 
effected as much. The camphor occasions a little smarting, but 
it lasts but a few minutes, and the soothing and rapid relief 
obtained is most gratifying. If the mammary glands become 
affected, administer the same applications, and observe the same 
care. This is one of the ailments to which the human body is 
subjected to, that quiet is part of the essential treatment. 

The following has been recommended for ameliorating the 
severity of mumps : Take essence of peppermint, four ounces ; 
spirits of turpentine, two ounces; and mucil. acaciae, two 
ounces. Mix, and shake the bottle well each time before taking 
a dose. Dose for adult, a teaspoonful, three times a day. The 
influence of these remedies is good. If an ounce of each of 
glycerine and olive oil is added to the mixture instead of the 
mucil. acaciae, its value is improved. 

A capsule, or powder not in the capsule (see remedies in 
this book), taken every night for three or four nights, begin- 
ning when its presence is suspicioned, will greatly lessen sever- 
ity and prevent development of much unpleasantness. In cases 
of great severity, a dose of the anti-bilious physic administered 
in the beginning of treatment is a speedy alleviator of suffering. 

RICKETS. 

Rickets is a disease in which deformity of the bones in 
some part, or parts of the body exhibit, usually the spinal 
column, the breast bone, pelvis, or legs. Various theories are 
advanced regarding its cause, though with our present knowl- 
edge its cause can only be conjectured. By some it is consid- 
ered due to scrofula, by others, due to deficient calcarious de- 
posits due the part, thus causing weakness, and the weight 
causing the deformity; but neither of these theories appear 
well founded, as cases are found in which the deformity began 
exhibiting at an age when the weight of the body is not 



GENERAL DISEASES. 279 

thrown in a line that is supposed to produce the injury, in 
some cases the child being in the recumbent position almost 
exclusively. One case of which I obtained history, began ex- 
hibiting the deformity at the age of two months; another case 
exhibited the entire absence of three vertebras at brith. 

The cause is undoubtedly congenital, whether the deformity 
is visibly present at birth, or whether it be sometime after 
birth that it exhibits, and is one of nature's defects beyond 
our ability to prevent — at least with our present knowledge. 

There exhibits, especially in its early manifesting, a defi- 
ciency of nutrition of all the structures of the body. The body 
exhibits emaciation, the flesh usually flabby — deficient in tone, 
abdomen sometimes unduly large, indicating gaseous disten- 
sions or abdominal dropsy. Nutrition of the parts is checked 
or morbidly perverted, and development perverted causing 
the deformity. If degeneracy is not or does not progress to 
the destruction of the child's life, the bones become firm and 
solid as the constitutional health improves, but the deformity 
remains. 

It is rare that benefit is obtained, as far as removing the 
deformity is concerned, and rarely improvement in any way. 
Place the child in the best comfort possible, and endeavor to 
nourish the body the best possible, making the best of the 
situation. Many have spent all of their earnings in endeavor- 
ing to obtain relief from conditions from which there was no 
possible promise of betterment, and were left many times with 
a worse deformity, and in addition their substance being 
squandered away, they were left destitute, and helpless, thus 
to drop to the charge of unhospitable charity. 



280 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 



SMALL POX. 



Of all the eruptive fevers, small pox is the most extensive 
and intensive disturbance of the skin of any, the most loathe- 
some, its tracks the most unsightly. Though it must be classed 
with the eruptive fevers, and exhibits some features in common 
with the other types, its most prominent features are distinc- 
tively dissimilar, and yet it depends on the same conditions for 
its existence. 

It may appear at all seasons of the year, and persons of all 
ages are liable to it — all persons that are of the diathesis of 
eruptive ailments, those whose sicknesses or ailments dispose 
to manifest boils, pimples, etc. 

One attack has been considered immunity from another at- 
tack, but cases have been reported of it having afflicted persons 
the second and third time. 

Its subjects are those of debilitated, "bilious" conditions, 
which conditions may be due to various causes, as deficient or 
improper foods, undue exposure to inclement weather, long 
marches, over-work, either mental or manual, over-eating and 
deficient excretion, or any cause that produces exhaustion or 
checks excretion by the way of the kidneys and bowels. 

Small pox is but a crop of little boils, due to the effete ma- 
terials of the body seeking an outlet, and not having obtained 
it through its natural channels, (the kidneys and bowels), it 
finds it by way of the sewers of the body which open out 
through the skin. These little boils are the follicular sacs of 
the skin, full of effete material which, completing in decomposi- 
tion eventuate in the matter we call pus, and empties out of 
the mouths of these little follicular sacs onto the surface of the 
body. These effete materials coming to the surface of the body 
are a perversion of excretion. These materials should 



GENERAL DISEASES. 281 

have been carried from the body by "way of the kidneys and 
bowels. 

There is comparatively nothing known of its cure and noth- 
ing generally known of its prevention. Vaccination, under one 
guise or another, has been more destructive and vitiating than 
pestilence and almost equals war, and with no evidence what- 
ever of having prevented a single case. 

There are four well denned stages in its progress, namely: 
the coming down period or stage, the stage of incubation, the 
stage of eruption, and the stage of desquamation. 

The coming down period is marked by a feeling of indispo- 
sition, weakening of energies, malaise, occasionally wandering 
aches and pains in the body, and increasing nervousness; this 
may and almost invariably does extend through quite a num- 
ber of weeks. 

The period of incubation or formative stage, extends from 
the onset of fever, which as in other fevers is marked with more 
or less defined chill, to the exhibition of the eruption; this stage 
may be marked by more or less severe disturbance physically, 
and proportionately mentally, some cases being so mild as not 
necessitating the patient confining to bed; others are accom- 
panied by nausea, vomiting, extreme nervousness, intense fever, 
delirium, convulsions. The bowels may be constipated, or al- 
ternate with diarrhea, and the urinary excretions are not well 
performed. 

The site of these little boils, which in fact they are, is more 
marked in the early formative stage, by the shot-like forma- 
tions felt by touch beneath the skin, than any marked discolor- 
ation more than accompanies the presence of other fevers; in 
fact this is the first manifestation that distinguishes it from any 
other type of fever. 



282 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The time from the fever manifestation till the out-burst of 
the eruption varies in length, though generally extends from 
five to seven days, the appearance of which marks the begin- 
ning of the eruptive stage. Then a sense of relief is experienced, 
and amelioration of the severity of the symptoms is manifest, 
and the little boils have presented a pointed appearance. 

The eruptive stage extends from the visible appearance of 
the vesicles till the follicles have cleansed out, till the pus is 
evacuated from the little boils, or pox, if one so chooses to call 
them. The completing of maturation is marked by the appear- 
ance at the point of the little boils, of a pale yellowish watery- 
like fluid, which increases in quantity, turgidity, consistence, 
evacuates and leaves a funnel shaped cavity, thus marking the 
beginning of the stage of desquamation and recovery, which, 
when these little boils have evacuated and healed, leaves the 
umbilicated scar, proportionate in degree to the extent of the 
destruction of the structure of the follicular sac, the deformity 
of the scar depending upon this cause and the irritation it may 
have been subjected to by being scratched or rubbed. 

It is rare that the eruption is general all over the body, 
though it may be. Though there are cases that pass through 
the various stages to recovery requiring but little attention, 
it is well to exercise caution and protect the patient from 
causes which may provoke serious manifestations, and use the 
necessary prevention of undue markations. 

During its progress various vexings may exhibit in addi- 
tion to those first named, as swellings of the hands and lower 
limbs, the face, and possibly all over the body, or it may un- 
duly distress the nasal cavities. The little boils may be near 
together, the discharges on the body may excoriate, and from 
this cause extensive crusts may manifest thus destroying more 
tissue and enlarging disfigurations very unnecessarily. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 283 

The patient should be kept in a dark room, comfortably 
warm and well ventilated. Sulphur should be burned in the 
room each day, till the patient sneezes mildly. This should be 
continued till desquamation is well advanced. 

The hot water baths in the treatment of this disease are 
invaluable, and the water serves best used as hot as can be 
borne. The sponge bath is preferable, as it can be used by 
any one. Care must be taken that chill air is not permitted 
to pass over the patient's body while wet or undressed. These 
baths disperse irritation and restlessness, lessen the degree of 
fever, and disperse the offensive odors. And the writer is of 
the opinion that when these hot water baths are administered 
from the first discernable appearance of the shot-like formations, 
which is learned by placing the hand over the surface of the body 
distinguishing their presence by touch, and continued once a day 
throughout the duration of the sickness, that there will be 
fewer of the pox open, hence there will be less markings, as 
the markings are due to the rupturings of the little follicular 
sacs in which these little boils are situated— being situated in 
the follicles of the skin. 

For internal medication there is nothing equals the anti- 
bilious physic (see remedies in this book). When it is evident 
that the condition is small pox, which is learned by touch of 
the little shot-like formations under the skin, if a full dose of 
the anti-bilious physic is administered, a very great amount of 
the determination of the morbid matters to the surface is pre- 
vented, thus lessening the developing of the little boils. 

The action of this medicine is effective in eliminating these 
effete materials and morbid matters from the general circula- 
tion and carrying them out through their natural outlets— the 
kidneys and bowels. This remedy is effective without creating 
irritation or depression. It is best to give it when the stomach 



284 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

is empty of foods. Immediately following its action, ameliora- 
tion of all of the severities manifest, and a general betterness is 
experienced. A second dose may be given the second day after 
the first dose, when likely no more will be needed. 

Add one ounce of tincture of benzoin to three gallons of the 
water used in the bathing. This lessens the severity and 
hastens healing. Another application, and one that greatly 
aids in lessening the severity as well as the development of the 
little boils, is made as follows: Take of sulphur and pure hog's 
lard, of each, a teacupful ; common baking soda, a heaped tea- 
spoonful. Thoroughly mix. Aj. ply freely over the body, espec- 
ially where there are boils manifest. These treatments, in addi- 
tion to their curative effect, prevent extension of the boils from 
excoriations or other causes, dispel the intense itchings and 
nervousness, shorten its duration, and lessen the extent of dis- 
figuration from scars; and, the patient does not incline to 
scratch and rub. 

If the face, neck, shoulders, hands and arms are thickly cov- 
ered with new, unwashed cotton, an inch thick or more, both 
the severity and markings will be immensely lessened. 

A teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa, added to a glass of 
water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given from four times a 
day to twice a day, lessens the severity and disperses offensive- 
ness of odors. 

One drachm of oil of wintergreen, and a teaspoonful of 
borax, added to two ounces of water, and this quantity 
sprayed or sprinkled about the bed draperies, and the room, 
places the atmosphere in an agreeable state. 

The foods must be agreeable and nutritious, and taken the 
three times a day. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 285 

THE PREVENTION. 

The prevention of small pox consists in a well cared for 
body, neither more nor less. The well nourished body, the 
urinary and alvine excretions well performed — in old-fashioned 
parlance, the "keeping from getting bilious", but in sensible 
language, the keeping of the body clean inside, the body pro- 
tected from inclemencies of the weather, given due rest and 
proper exercise will not be the abode of small pox. This is the 
prevention, and it meets all cases, and gives the adequate re- 
turn of good, the proper pay for value received, which should 
embody all dealings of human beings with human beings. 
This prevention does not mutilate the body. It does not poi- 
son the blood. It does not terrorize people. It does not tear 
people from their homes and confine them in filthy dens. It 
does not disrupt commerce. It does not break up schools. 

A CASE. 

The patient, a student, aged 18 years, not accustomed to 
manual labor or exercise — none more than going to and from 
school and the usual games of students, complained of nausea, 
heavy distress in the stomach; there was sour and offensive 
fetor to the breath, considerable nervousness and restlessness, 
and chilly shudderings. Measles, scarlet fever and mumps had 
been passed through several years before, and the contagion- 
carrier had not been known to have ever left small pox in that 
district. 

Gave a large dose of the anti-bilious physic to relieve the 
stomach of the morbid matters that appeared to be causing 
the stomach distress, and ordered a hot water sponge bath, 
directing its administration personally; when the back of the 
patient was exposed to view there exhibited such a crop of the 
shot-like formations from the neck to the bend of the hips, 



286 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

that no missing hills seemed to require re-planting to make it 
a full crop. 

Gave a capsule (see remedies in this book) at seven and ten 
of evenings during the greatest severity. 

Ordered the hot water sponge-bath administered every day, 
the water having the tincture of benzoin added, and the fol- 
lowing applied thickly over every part where there was a sug- 
gestion of the appearance of the shot-like forms : 

Take sulphur and pure hog's lard, of each, a teacupful ; 
common baking soda, a heaped teaspoonful. Mix thoroughly. 

The patient ate freely of lemons, pine apples, oranges, ap- 
ples both baked and uncooked, bananas, milk, oat meal and 
graham mush, served with sweet cream and sugar, buttered 
toast, crackers, chicken. 

The result. Less than one dozen of the little boils dis- 
charged any, and but three discharged to any extent, and but 
two slight marks remain to insure its remembrance. The 
above case was treated bv the writer. 

The knowledge of the writer has been gained from actual 
practice, study of the cases, and observation. 

OTHER CASES.— THESE EXHIBIT THE USUAL TREAT- 
MENT . —RESULTS 

Twenty-one cases were twenty-one of twenty-seven refu- 
gees, who had left their homes in the war stricken south, 
South Carolina, after the close of the civil war, and were pros- 
trated from the enervating influences of prolonged depriv- 
ations and depressing influences of such horrors as war, in 
their native state, and the additional exhaustion of long travel 
and exposure, poorly fed, and almost destitute of clothing. 
There were nineteen deaths out of twenty-one cases, which 
were undoubtedly due to the yet further deprivations and ex- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 287 

posure the sick were subjected to, being exposed to rain, the 
hot sun in the day, and the cool air at night, having compar- 
atively no medicines and but little foods. The cases that re- 
covered, I consider the recovery resulted from the comforts, 
nutrients, and proper directing sanitation which were supplied 
by my mother, Mrs. Harriet Redman, which she provided after 
she learned of their condition. 

MANY RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Cream of tartar, one ounce ; boiling -water, a pint. Mix. 
This quantity supped in about twenty -four hours, is said to 
not only cure, but to prevent small pox ; that it never leaves a 
mark, never permits blindness and always prevents a tedious 
lingering. 

Cream of tartar increases urinary elimination and excretion, 
hence, removes the morbid matter from the circulation and ex- 
pels it through the proper channels, and prevents the abnormal 
excreting of them by means of these little boils. It is doubtless 
effective. 

It is claimed that a teaspoonful of brewer's yeast, given 
three times a day, in a little water, given throughout the dis- 
ease, will cure nearly every case without leaving a mark. This 
is doubtless due to its eliminating property, as brewer's yeast 
is said to increase the urinary and alvine excretions. 

The history of medicines mentions the use, in olden times, 
of red bed clothes and red curtains to protect the patient from 
the sunlight, in the treatment of small pox. The same was 
tried in late years by Dr. Finsen, a physician in Denmark, with 
the result that there came no suppuration, and the danger to 
blood-poisoning and disfiguring scars was diminished. Two 
physicians in Norway, followed his example with similar re- 
sults. This imformation was gained from an article in the 
Medical World, July 1897. 



288 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In 1892, in the small pox epidemic of Gainsboro, Mr. 
Andrew is reported in the Homeo. News, to have said that the 
first to suffer were the well vaccinated persons. Twelve unvac- 
cinated, and forty -five vaccinated were attacked. The deaths 
included one unvaccinated, four once vaccinated, and two twice 
vaccinated. The highest death rate being in those vaccinated. 

Edward Hines, in Liverpool Herald, stated that one ounce 
of cream of tartar, in a pint of boiling water, permitted to 
cool, and drank at intervals, will cure the worst cases of small 
pox in three days, and will not leave a scar or mark, never 
cause blindness, or lingering. 

VACCINE DISEASE. 

Cow pox, vaccine disease, blood poison consequent upon 
inoculation with other poisonous virus, frequently proves 
serious, as well as sometimes fatal. I have noted that in these 
cases the shot-like manifestations were absent, vesication and 
suppuration presented, also enlarged tonsils, enlarged glands 
in the groins and in the arm-pits — in one case the patient was 
confined to suffering for more than six weeks, and the arm 
was disabled for near three months. 

The treatment of these cases must be administered before 
a case developes — and consists in prohibiting the vicious pollu- 
tion of the human body by the inoculation into it of the 
vitiating means for its destruction. 

CHICKEN POX. 

Another eruptive, suppurating manifestation is sometimes 
met, usually exhibiting among children, and called by several 
euphonious names, as chicken pox, swine pox. It differs from 
small pox in that it does not confine to the follicles of the 
skin. While it is destructive to tissue, it seldom leaves scars. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 289 

This disease, like all of the eruptive suppurative manifesta- 
tions, exhibits in those persons of "bilious," debilitated and 
atonic condition of body; and its premonitory symptoms the 
varying chill sensation ushering in the immediate onset. It 
rarely manifests over the body, usually confining to the head 
and face. Though there is restlessness and disturbed sensations 
for some time before its appearance, the chill and fever are the 
most marked symptoms and may only precede the eruption 
two or three days. 

Sponge-bathe the body every day, using the water hot and 
using plentifully of castile soap. Then rinse with the following : 
Take glycerine and water, of each two ounces ; tincture of ben- 
zoin, two drachms. Mix. Should any sores become deep seated 
or unduly large, cleanse as above directed, and apply the salve 
or ointment directed in the treatment of carbuncle. 

Take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, a teaspoonful; 
podophyllum P., fifteen drops. Mix, and pour upon it a pint 
of boiling water. To children from three to seven years old, 
give this quantity, by having it supped occasionally, in sixty 
hours. Larger quantities for older children. 

DRUG, OR MEDICINE ERUPTIONS AND DISEASES. 

The question is frequently asked, "Do medicines make peo- 
ple sick?" Yes, there are some medicines that not only make 
people sick, but create a continuous disease. Mercury will not 
only produce a scarlatiform eruption, but suppuration of the 
glandular system of the body. It will destroy the digestive 
organs. It will destroy your teeth. It will create a continu- 
ous recurrence of "stomach troubles." Follow up the taking 
of mercury, calomel or any of its family, by taking quinine and 
iron and you will have a boom in a boil crop, enlarged tonsils 

10- 



290 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and sore throat. I have seen the most aggravated cases of the 
disease called erysipelas, that were a crop of eruption caused 
by the administration of calomel, quinine and iron, causing 
confinement to the bed from two to three months. 

Quinine will cause eruption over the body ; it will cause 
deafness, defective eye sight and total blindness and insanity; 
it will poison, it will cause rheumatism and cripplement from it. 

Morphine, in all cases checks secretion and excretion, low- 
ers the vital energies, destroys digestion and assimilation, hence, 
favors progress of disease and hinders recovery. Morphine ad- 
ministered even in very slight sickness can by locking up the 
secretions and excretions — the bowels and kidneys, and skin 
action, prolong the sickness for w^eeks, and even extend it into 
typhoid fever, and death. Better stay w4th the molasses-and- 
sulphur physic and the soot teas. And there is a multitude of 
medicines that the human family would be the better for their 
non-existence, and the money invested in them would be better 
spent if bread and butter was obtained for it instead of the 
medicine. 

SYPHILIS. 

Syphilis, or "big pox," as it is sometimes called, is a con- 
dition of blood poison caused from vicious sexual habits, its 
severity being augmented by intoxicating drinks, morphine, 
the use of tobacco and other filths. 

It originated in the human animal; the testimony of ex- 
perimenters is that other animals are immune from this loath- 
some disease — not even being susceptible to its virus by inoc- 
ulation. 

There is no one type of disease affecting the human family 
so widely disseminated. This has been effected either by direct 



GENERAL DISEASES. 291 

inoculation, or by inheritance, or both, greatly aided by vac- 
cination. 

The date and place of its first appearance among the hu- 
man family cannot be correctly ascertained. The disease de- 
scribed in the third book of Moses, and called leprosy, is 
doubtless the same disease known as the syphilis of today. It 
may have existed at an earlier date — probably its origin and 
existence was one of the causes that provoked God to "repent 
that he had made man," so soon after he made him. 

It is confined to no one climate, and is widespread among 
almost all nationalities of people. It is related that Australia, 
the Sandwich Islands, and most of the islands of the Pacific 
coast were free from it till introduced there by white peo- 
ple. It is the self-same disease, and manifests from the same 
causes the world over, whether called syphilis or leprosy, differ- 
ing only in degrees of severity. 

There is no disease that afflicts the human body that so 
thoroughly and so destructively permeates every fiber of the 
bodv with such corrosive effect, and is also so destructive to 
mind, as this disease. There is no type of disease, of which I 
have either seen or read of its destructive power, that is so 
much to be dreaded as syphilis — none that is so difficult to 
eradicate from the system, none which presents such a variety 
of manifestations in its destructive work, none so loathesome ; 
none which so degenerates and degrades its victims, none that 
leaves such wreckages marking its tracks of travel. 

In addition to its alone destructive virus, it augments and 
intensifies the severity of various other types of disease, as 
sore throat, tonsilitis, pulmonary consumption, rickets and 
scrofula, also wounds, surgical operations, and parturition 
may be complicated with it, preventing recovery and leading 
to death. 



292 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Miscarriage and abortion may be due to syphilitic infec- 
tion; it may affect the nutrition of the child in utero, causing 
it to be feeble and shortening its life, or lessening its vigorous 
development; or it may accompany the new being into the 
world early marking it with visible raggedness of rotting flesh, 
which must end in a short existence or continue life marked 
with its decrepitudes. This poisonous virus is not satiated 
when having consumed the flesh — it yet feasts on consuming 
bone and marrow. 

Its destruction though extensive and intensive, may ap- 
parently check its destructive work, but often only seems to 
have stopped to "catch breath" as it were, and to lull suspi- 
cion of its existence, thus remaining quiet for some time, then 
transmitting its virus to an innocent victim in an offspring, 
or infecting an unsuspicious companion. 

And yet, notwithstanding all its terribleness, how its de- 
velopment is courted and what royalty is paid for its pos- 
session! There is but one cause of syphilis, and that is the 
absorption of the virus into the blood and its diffusion through- 
out the body, and this may be by inheritance or inoculation 
by contact. Some authors consider one attack of it as im- 
munity, from another attack, (which in many cases is doubt- 
less true, from the fact that very many cases never get 
well or cured of it, hence another attack has no trial chance 
for appearing), but there is much ground for difference of 
opinion. That there may and do appear other attacks, or that 
at least the largest number of cases supposed to be cured are not 
cured, or there is susceptibility of numerous attacks, is un- 
questionably evident. 

The centers of population — large cities, where the advant- 
ages of intellectual arid christian enlightmeut are supposed to 
be most diffuse, are supposed to be where enlightenment is the 



GENERAL DISEASES. 293 

easiest obtained, and from that standpoint might be supposed 
to be freerer from its contamination, are almost without ex- 
ception, hot-beds for its propogation. 

When introduced into the human system it rapidly per- 
meates it; just how soon the absorption takes place is not 
correctly known, nor the length of time of the incubation. 
This period is marked by fever and increased malaise. 

The modes of communication are the discharges from the 
lesions, or secretions of any and all kinds, as saliva, sweat, 
milk and semen. The virus may be conveyed by sexual inter- 
course, inheritance, by kissing, by vaccination, and by hand- 
ling articles that have been exposed to the virus. 

Its early manifestations are generally distinguished by a 
sore or sores upon the genital organs, where the affection first 
enters the system (unless inoculated at some other part), these 
sores usually being called chancre. They make their appear- 
ance on the labia, vagina, urethra, and sometimes on the neck 
of the uterus, and in the groins in the female; and on the 
scrotum, urethra, prepuce, glands and groins in the male. Or 
other parts may imbibe the virus, as the hands, sores, scratches 
or any abraised surface on any part of the body, the lips, the 
tongue, nipples, etc. 

The disease continuing, it soon involves the entire system, 
as is evident by the crop of ulcerative sores appearing all over 
the body, the enlarged and ulcerating glands in groins, under 
the arms, and tonsils, enlarged liver and spleen, the lung dis- 
turbance, the aching limbs, and aching joints, the caries or rot- 
ting bones, the loss of hair, impairment of voice, and general 
break-down of the whole system. 

The manifestation called hard chancre, exhibits a knot-like 
appearance, (especially discernible by touch) varying in size 
from that of a pea to that of an almond. They are usually 



294 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

painful, sluggish to evacuate, begin discharging at the top or 
point and continue hard at the base for some time. 

A condition called gonorrhea appears, which consists of an 
inflammation of the vagina in the female, and the urethra in 
the male, followed by a muco-purulent discharge, a discharge 
resembling mucous and pus. It irritates and excoriates other 
surfaces with which it comes in contact— inoculates the disease 
in other subjects or parts. 

Of all the diseases that should be quarantined, syphilis is 
the one. 

The first prime requisite in the treatment is, isolation from 
contact, and thorough cleanliness. From once to twice daily, 
thoroughly wash the body with water and the free use of cas- 
tile soap should be administered in cases of severe manifesta- 
tions. If there are only small pimples on the body, after the 
washing, rinse with a mild solution of borax. To sores or 
pimples of much size or angriness, in addition to the above 
treatments, apply the salve or ointment directed for treatment 
of carbuncle in this book, and cover with a bit of unwashed 
cotton and confine the cotton in place by adhesive plaster. 

In conditions of suppuration of the throat and tonsils there 
is nothing more effective or safer for local application to these 
parts than the following : Take spirits of turpentine, spirits of 
camphor, essence of peppermint and olive oil, equal parts. Mix, 
and apply to the parts by means of a mop-swab, making a 
pressing, wiping motion with the mop-swab between the ton- 
sils and as far into the throat as can well be reached. Apply- 
ing this remedy by spraying it into the throat is an easier 
method of application and requires but little skill in executing, 
yet the desired results are not obtained thereby. 

If the inflammation has not advanced to suppuration, this 
remedy applied over the region of the tonsils on the surface of 



GENERAL DISEASES. 295 

the neck, or on the enlarged glands in the groins, and if ap- 
plied freely will disperse the swellings, aided by the constitu- 
tional remedies I will soon direct. 

The treatment for extensive sores on any parts is effected 
by thoroughly washing the parts as above directed for the 
baths and applying the salve (the soothing ointment) before 
directed to the sores. 

Should the part be sluggish to disperse, or to evacuate or 
cleanse out, as is sometimes the case in the manifestation of 
hard chancre, they must be touched with a mild solution of 
caustic potash and a plaster of the salve immediately applied. 
The writer has never found it necessary to make but one ap- 
plication of the caustic potash to the same chancre. This caus- 
tic application must be made quickly, care taken that it touch 
only the tip or point of the chancre, and the ointment imme- 
diately applied. 

The conditions of gonorrhea, in addition to the constitu- 
tional treatment I will soon direct, usually disperse from the 
following treatment ; In conditions of great severity take a hot 
water sitz-bath twice daily. In mild attacks once daily will 
serve. To two gallons of the water used for this purpose, add 
half an ounce of spirits of camphor (in that proportion). This 
is effective in allaying the inflammation, even should there be 
much swelling about the parts. Four to six parts of water 
and one part of spirits of camphor, mixed, forms an unequaled 
remedy for injections in gonorrheal conditions ; the only unde- 
sirableness of it is that for three to five minutes it imparts an 
intense burning sensation. But this is immediately followed by 
a most desirable sense of soothing relief, and great reduction 
of swellings and inflammations from the parts, and but few 
treatments are necessary to remove the inflammations and 
swellings. 



296 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Golden seal, a heaped teaspoonful, and boiling water, a 
pint, mixed and let remain hot for ten minutes, then strain 
it and add one grain of sulphate of zinc, makes a most ex- 
cellent injection for these afflictions. Use once daily. 

A tea made from the arbor vitae, has been recommended 
for injections. For constitutional treatment or effect, the fol- 
lowing is sufficient in whatever manifestation the attack pre- 
sents, or whatever degree or progress it may have made, ex- 
cept where the repairative energies are completely distroyed : 
The capsules (see remedies in this book), (or the powder, also 
see remedies, taken without putting it in the capsules) taken 
to produce vigorous biliary alvine action at first, then suffi- 
ciently frequent to continue two or three free alvine dejections 
daily, and continuing for sometime will give the curative effect. 
Or, the following is also effective: Take glycerine, and simple 
syrup, of each, three ounces; tincture of buchu, half an ounce ; 
fluid extract of cascara, aromatic, two ounces ; and podophyllin, 
two grains. Mix, and it is ready for taking. A teaspoonful, 
every three hours till free alvine action is seen, then continue 
as above directed. 

TREATMENT.— BRIEF, BUT SUCCESSFUL. 

In the treatment of gonorrhea there is no medicine that 
equals hot water for local application. Sitz-baths and injec- 
tions per rectum are the preferable mode of administering it 
for males, and the sitz-baths and injections per vagina, or 
both, for females. If the case is severe, this treatment may 
be given morning and evening. To receive the benefit the 
water must be hot as can be borne, and continued so during 
the time of the administration, which should continue ten or 
fifteen minutes. 

Take the remedies above directed as above directed. By 
this treatment the discharge stops in a very short while, its 



GENERAL DISEASES. 297 

purulent nature is immediately dispersed, chordee and stricture 
are prevented and removed, and restoration to health is speedily 
effected . 

This treatment is alike effective for both male and female. 
The uretha may be flushed in the male, but is not necessary. 

LEPROSY. 

But little light can be obtained upon the origin of leprosy. 
It is confined to the human family, and appears to have been 
prevalent in the time of Moses. It is not claimed to be prev- 
alent in the United States; but it is always another man's 
farm that has milk-sick on it. 

It is considered a loathesome and contagious disease. 
From the light I can get from the description of this disease 
in the Bible, what I can get from medical literature, and from 
my own observations of the disease well known in the United 
States as syphilis, I consider it the self-same disease; sever- 
ities being modified or increased in both by similar influences. 
Certainly the tracks of both are very, very alike. 

TO STOP THE TOBACCO HABIT. 

Prickly ash bark chewed in place of tobacco, dispels all de- 
sire for its further use either for chewing or smoking. This 
would permit the mouth being a decent receptacle for food, in- 
stead of perverting the use of the mouth into an excretoryout- 
let, an exit of filth, with which to salivate church floors, public 
halls, office floors, and sidewalks, carpeting them with slush, 
and, last but not least, the filling of garbage receptacles in the 
home dwellings — for wife and daughter to scavenge — too filthy 
a task to impose upon any human beings but the ones who 
make it. 



298 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

CONTAGIOUS DANGER. 

In regard to the time during and after, the progress of the 
contagious diseases in which there is danger of infection, and 
also the incubation, varies much with the prevailing fashion, 
that appearing to modify the danger. However, the substance 
of opinion is about as following : Diphtheria may be expected 
to manifest in from two to seven days; typhoid fever, from 
eight to fourteen days; small pox, from nine to fifteen days; 
mumps and rubeola, from two to three weeks, after exposure, 
and, with variations. 

The matter seems a little muddled, and the situation is 
somewhat like the young girl with visiting companions and 
whose mother noting her little daughter's silence, called her at- 
tention to the fact, when the daughter replied that she "did 
not know what to say." The mother told her that she "must 
say something, if it wasn't so smart." And as the ' Varmint" 
that plays the mischief in manufacturing these manifestations 
of disease — is kept "hid in the wood pile," the "saying some- 
thing if it is not so smart" fills the vacancy. 

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 

Much mysticism hangs about the largest number of those 
manifestations of disease called contagious, and this is proba- 
bly largely due to the fact that so little is known about them 
that the downy mantle of mysticism fits the dummy best. 

Measles, scarlet fever, small pox, whooping cough and 
mumps, leading diseases classed in this line, admit of much 
especial study and investigation. To say that a thing "is so 
because it is so," without sensible facts to show that it is so, 
has ceased to satisfy intelligent people, and the question is so 
frequently asked "What started the £rst case?" 

The fact that more than one case appears in a family or 
district is not conclusive evidence that any type of disease is 



GENERAL DISEASES. 299 

contagious. That which influences the health of one member 
of a family is likely to influence the health of more than one 
member, and either member is just as likely to be the first case 
as the other, and any or all are quite as likely to be attacked ; 
also, the same is true of a district or community. 

The fact that the above types of disease, except small pox, 
chiefly confine to early childhood, is somewhat convincing that 
the manifestation is chiefly or primarily due to some physiolog- 
ical condition or change in the bodily economy incident to that 
period, and is not due to contagion. Why such condition 
should exist the writer does not pretend to be able to under- 
stand nor explain; but, notwithstanding this, there is much 
more intelligent evidence in favor of the writer's convictions 
regarding the true situation than there is for "contagion." 

These subjects are engaging seriously the minds of many of 
the intelligent class of people. Schools are disrupted, commu- 
nities excited into such frenzies of fear, and in many cases suf- 
ferings are imposed upon people even to the endangering of life, 
with nothing of adequate betterment. The sanctities of the 
home are destroyed and personal control of body is wrenched 
from individual people, and they are persecuted with imposi- 
tions of one degenerate type or another till the persecution has 
out-Pharoahed Pharoah. The impositions practiced upon the 
people in vaccination, inoculations, and like persecutions, prom- 
ising prevention or cure of disease, give worse disease and des- 
truction of life and health than the plague ever did when left 
to "run." It would be far more sensible to give these sufferers 
a piece of bread, soap, a bit of shelter, and clothes for cleanli- 
ness and comfort. And our wits would be but little taxed to 
discover some remedy to cure the "contagious" diseases. 



300 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ITCHING IN THE HANDS. 
There are cases met of itching in the hands, becoming al- 
most unbearable at times, becoming the worst at evening. The 
itching appears to extend into the periosteum. It confines 
chiefly to the fingers and the inside of the hands. While the 
parox} T sm of itching is on, it causes the patient to feel quite 
nervous. Scratching as in ordinary itchings of the surface of 
the skin, gives no relief, rubbing with pressure on a hard ob- 
ject or surface serving best. A severe attack is very prostrating 
if not relieved in a short time. When recovery from the attack 
begins, the skin begins to peel off as if it had been blistered ; this 
whether local treatment has been given or not. 

The writer has succeeded in curing this anno} r ance with the 
following treatment : Bathe the hands a few minutes with hot 
water, dry them and apply the following: Put one half of a 
pint of pure apple cider vinegar in a bottle and place in it a 
copper cent, and let stand for half a day, when it is ready for 
use. Pour a teaspoonful of this preparation into the hand and 
wash it, or rub it all over the hands. Usually an evening treat- 
ment every day is sufficient. Relief manifests from the first, and 
a cure in a few days. 

In addition to this treatment I have had the patient take 
a tablespoonful of the cascara mixture which contains podo- 
phyllin, named in this book, every night till recovery was well 
advanced. 

MILIARY FEVER. 
An eruptive symptom occasionally exhibits, presenting ves- 
icles about the size of millet seed, the skin previously becoming 
rough, and accompanied by a prickly itching sensation, acid 
perspiration and offensive odor. It may manifest with fever 
of any type, or following fever of any type, and the eruption 
may be even quite large. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 301 

It is due to a morbid constitutional condition, when ex- 
hibiting among parturient females, which it frequently annoys. 
Its promotive cause is augmented by the system not having 
been aided by proper medication to eliminate the detritus of 
the system consequent from the taxations of gestation, and 
the ordeal just passed through. 

The hot water sponging of the body, daily, and a mod- 
erate laxative given, is usually all that is necessary. Soda, 
sufficient to make the water slippery, should be added to the 
bath. Salts sometimes serves the necessary laxative purpose, 
or, a dose of the anti-bilious physic. Also the capsules or 
powder (see remedies in this book). 

NEGRO CACHEXY. 

A type of disease named the above, exhibits, or is said to 
be confined to the colored people, but cases are met among 
the white people. The manifesting symptoms are great debil- 
ity, unwillingness to attempt to perform labor, drowsiness, 
depression in spirit, indulging in grief manifestations, crying 
from no accountable cause. The condition is quite similar to 
hysteria. 

It exhibits among any persons, and arises from being sub- 
jected to unpleasant environments, bad treatment, breaking 
and keeping the spirits depressed, and prolonged over- work, 
and deficient and improper food. Indigestion, emaciation of 
the body, loss of strength, sometimes dropsy, tonsils enlarged 
and frequently suppurating, and the excretory functions de- 
ranged, usually manifest. 

The patient must be placed in comfortable and agreeable 
surroundings, provided with wholesome and nutritious food, 
and permitted rest. To the hot water used for the daily 
sponge-bath, add to a gallon of the water used one drachm of 



302 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

tincture of capsicum, and two tablespoonfuls of aqua am- 
monia. Give a capsule (see remedies in this book) at night 
just before retiring, to promote active alvine excretions every 
day. 

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING. 

Some individuals' broadest smiles are only provoked by free 
gifts, who when required to pay value received for the needs of 
life, are suddenly affected with atrophied smiles. For the espec- 
ial benefit of these, here is as near something for nothing as 
can be very well practically obtained. If the blood is impure, 
eat onions. If you are bilious (and this class generally are), 
eat onions. If your complexion is spotted and blotchy, eat 
onions, and the unsightly disfigurements will disappear — if you 
will eat enough of them. If you have pimples and boils, eat 
onions. If your bowels are obstinately constipated, eat onions. 
If you are troubled with wakefulness, eat onions for supper and 
you will sleep lovely — but keep your face toward the wall look- 
ing out of the window. If you have dyspepsia or consumption, 
let onions be your first course at the dinner meal. If you have 
asthma, don't neglect a liberal use of onions as a diet. This 
medicine serves best when boiled well done and served with a 
little butter, salt and black pepper, the salt preferably being 
cooked with onions. If you have any distress in the stomach 
eat onions. If you feel ill natured, are cross, crabbed, and 
snappish, or afflicted with rheumatism or gout, eat a large 
garlic bulb every night before retiring. If the above two courses 
of food are followed by a bit of parsley, the unpleasant ac- 
companiment or consequent, will not be recognizable in a very 
few minutes thereafter. 

Parsley is an elegant deodorizer of the above articles of 
foods, and in addition, the curly variety, placed in a suitable 
container, forms a not unsightly decorative adjunct to the din- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 303 

ner table, and may be suitably placed near the tooth pick con- 
tainers. The parsley is of easy culture, and it may be easily 
grown in a flower pot as a window plant in winter, and 
transplanted to the garden, if you have no garden it is by no 
means unsightly in the yard. 

GOITRE. 

This is a manifestation of disease in which the thyroid 
gland enlarges in greater or less degree. The disturbance has 
been attributed to some peculiarity of the drinking water in 
some special localities, as mountainous districts, and magne- 
sian lime districts, but the evidence is lacking to definitely de- 
termine such to be the true cause, as many who inhabit these 
districts are unafflicted with it. Scotland, Ireland, Norway 
and Sweeden are said to be comparatively free from it, al- 
though mountain lime-stone is found in their geological form- 
ation. It is said to be unknown in Greenland and Lapland. 
The fact that numerous cases have manifested among soldiers 
who have marched through districts where some cases have 
been observed, has led to the conclusion that the affection is 
contagious, but such is not true. 

My own observations of the causes leading to this affection, 
are that great constitutional disturbance accompanied by great 
debility, and undue excitement of the generative organs give 
rise to its exhibition. It has been claimed that the condition 
has been found to exist at birth, but such is so exceedingly 
rare that it is difficult to find a doctor who has met a case. 
The cases will be found to arise from the above causes almost 
without exception. It attacks both male and female. During 
the time I have been treating disease, I have met the same 
number of cases among males as among females, and the cases 
being of about the same gravity. 



304 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

There are several types of this manifestation with some 
distinctive peculiarity not common to the others. The type 
which manifests by what may be termed simple enlargement, 
exhibits no special peculiarity uncommon to any other inflamed 
or swelled gland, and yields readily to medical treatment, and 
usually rapidly, especially if proper treatment is pursued soon 
after its manifestation. 

The cystic form, which exhibits a softer enlargement than 
either the simple or fibroid type, usually requires a longer time 
for an effectual cure than the simple form. 

The most serious type is the fibroid type. In this the 
tumor or enlargement is hard ; and progressing, the connective 
stroma increases, and the tough band of nucleated fibrous tis- 
sue traverses the organ in all directions. 

In this form of goitre, when closely overlying the carotid 
artery, a forcible pulsation is conveyed through the tumor, very 
much like an aneurism, and from manifestations I have seen 
exhibited, I have been led to conclude that such is the true con- 
dition, at least in some cases. The fibroid type may be spon- 
taneous or progressive, or both spontaneous and progressive. 
The spontaneous variety may be of a hernial nature and also 
progressive. 

The fibroid type of goitre is the most difficult to cure, usu- 
ally requiring longer time than either of the others, especially 
if of long standing, as by continuing it gains great power of 
resistance. In fact, is very rarely cured. 

Goitre rarely manifests earlier than puberty, or at the be- 
ginning of the change from boyhood to manhood in the males, 
and from the beginning of the transition or change from girl- 
hood to womanhood in the females, and may manifest at any 
time thereafter till forty -five or fifty, rarely appearing later. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 305 

In the treatment of this disease, of either type, the system 
must be placed in as well nourished a condition as possible, 
and the excretory functions be brought into free activity. The 
primary dependence for the development of ophthalmic goitre is 
upon the existence of thyroid enlargement, both appearing syn- 
chronously as a rule, when the thyroid goitre appears. Hence 
the causes producing are primarily the same, and constitution- 
ally require the same medication. Therefore the same medicines 
directed in this book for constitutional treatment for ex-oph- 
thalmic goitre may be pursued in this. The writer has seen 
rapid reduction follow the administration of these remedies, but 
is not convinced that a return may not be expected in all cases 
when this disposition has once manifested. These two mani- 
festations are so near allied in causes and relation, that the 
chief difference in treatment can only be made in the local ap- 
plications or treatments. 

Progressing good results have followed the application of 
the camphorated turpentine liniment, made by adding two 
ounces of camphor gum to a pint of spirits of turpentine. 

Ten drops of iris added to four ounces of water, and a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture applied over the goitre, twice daily, has 
been recommended, but the writer has had no experience with it. 

TETANUS, OR LOCK-JAW. 

This condition is characterized by great rigidity of the mus- 
cles of the jaw. The muscular rigidity may extend to any 
part of the body to some degree, and paroxysmal spasm may 
accompany or manifest during an attack. The intelligence is 
usually preserved. Death may occur from exhaustion, from 
long continued rigidity and spasm preventing alimentation, or 
to prostration due to long strain of nerve-shock; usually from 
the last named cause. It is not a disease of itself, but is con- 



306 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

sequent upon some morbid condition of the system, or is due 
to shock. 

Except when this condition is consequent upon shock from 
wound or mechanical injury, there is great debility of the sys- 
tem — frequently an exceedingly torpid condition. In cases of 
debility or torpid condition of the system, it may manifest 
spontaneously or be provoked by the patient being submitted 
to unkind treatment, or a strain of worriment and aggrava- 
tion, or undue excitement. Conditions of great exposure to 
cold, are thought by some authors to cause it in some cases. 
The writer has not seen this last named cause experienced. 

Usually the jaws do not dispose to unlock without assist- 
ance. The remedy for immediate relief must be of quick action, 
and of a relaxing nature, that which will relieve rigidity and 
congestion. 

Chloroform administered by inhalation by mouth, sufficient 
to produce relaxation, gives the speediest and most certain re- 
lief. This remedy my husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb, has used with 
success for years, and it is the remedy with which I am best 
familiar for this purpose, except hot water. 

It has given success in unlocking the jaws by applying it 
over the jaws. A physician should always be immediately 
called to such cases to administer the chloroform, as it is not 
safe for others to attempt it. However, in the time of waiting 
the arrival of a physician, do not remain idle. Plunge the pa- 
tient's feet in a pail of hot water, and apply woolen mats 
wrung from hot water, to the jaws, changing them sufficiently 
frequent to keep them hot. A hot water injection per rectum 
may be administered with benefit; add one-fourth of a tea- 
spoonful of tincture of capsicum, and the same quantity of 
tincture of lobelia, to a pint of hot water, and also, half an 
ounce of glycerine, and use for this purpose. While I was a 



GENERAL DISEASES. 307 

student I assisted in caring for a case of lock-jaw, which was 
incident upon a wound, in which case hot water to the feet 
and a vigorous application of Hostetter's bitters over the jaws 
were the effectual agencies employed, there being no other means 
at hand. 

After the patient has been relieved and rested for half an 
hour or so, give a cup of hot water to sup. In cases where 
it is not due to shock from wound, there should be a dose of 
anti-bilious phjsic given — or in any and all cases, in fact. 
These are the means of which I know to be certain, both for 
unlocking the jaws and for placing the patient in a recuper- 
ating condition, insuring safety from another attack. Usually 
no further treatment is necessary, more than a sponging of 
the body with hot water, daily, and abundance of quiet rest 
and pleasing, wholesome and nutritious food. 

When the affliction is consequent upon undue worriment or 
undue fright or excitement, after the jaws have unlocked, 
pleasantly situating patient, administering a sponge bath daily, 
permitting plentiful rest, and supplying palatable foods, are 
all the treatment required, additional to the above. 

PAINTER'S COLIC. 

This type of colic is caused by the slow introduction of lead 
into the system in handling white lead in mixing paints, or 
handling paints containing it. 

Means to remove the obstinate constipation that is usually 
present is the first prime need. For this purpose usually a dose 
of salts serves the purpose. 

People who must handle paints containing white lead, 
should avoid as much as possible, its touching the surface of 
the body. It is said that those who partake of milk and other 
animal foods escape this annoyance. 



308 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

SUN PAIN. 

A headache commencing in the morning and continuing un- 
til evening, regularly every day, has been given the singular 
name of "sun pain," in the belief that it is in some way due to 
the influence of the visible presence of the sun. A pain com- 
mencing with night and continuing through it, may just as 
sensibly be called a moon or star pain. This type of headache, 
however, does not always begin with sunrise and quit with 
set of sun, but may begin any time, day or night, and quit the 
same. Its periodic return is due to the same cause that period- 
icity is due to in sicknesses generally, and this is not well un- 
derstood. The headache, in its first onset especially, is chiefly 
frontal, and there is usually more or less nausea, and the bow- 
els are not unfrequently constipated. 

Fluid extract of bryonia, five drops; water four ounces. 
Mix, and if the pain is severe give a teaspoonful every hall 
hour for two or three hours, then give a teaspoonful every two 
hours during the day. Relief from pain is usually experienced 
in a few hours. 

The following should be given sufficiently often to promote 
two or three alvine dejections daily : Take glycerine and sim- 
ple syrup, of each one ounce; fluid extract of cascara, three 
ounces; cinchona cal., one drachm; essence of peppermint, half 
an ounce. Mix. Give a tablespoonful as often as necessary. 
This dose is for an adult. Smaller doses for children, propor- 
tionate to age. 

A teaspoonful taken half an hour before meals for three 
days, then a tablespoonful taken just before going to bed at 
night, as often as necessary to produce the above results, is a 
good mode of taking it, and gives the good result of the cure 
so much desired. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 309 

FROST BITES. 

If it is possible bathe the affected parts with very cold 
water, (that fresh taken from the well is the best) before per- 
mitting them near artificial heat. Immediate relief is ob- 
tained, and there is seldom need for further treatment. The 
writer had considerable experience with this method of treating 
frost bites, in earlier life while teaching school. Many times 
children were sent to school in cold weather, long distances 
improperly wrapped, and would arrive at school with ears, 
hands and feet stiffly frozen. 

For applications to frost bites that have not been treated 
as above, the following gives excellent relief: Take olive oil, 
aqua ammonia, and spirits of turpentine, of each, two ounces. 
Mix, and apply frequently. 

The following also serves excellently : Take spirits of tur- 
pentine, one ounce ; aqu'a ammonia, half an ounce ; and as 
much camphor gum as the above turpentine will dissolve. 
Mix, and apply freely. Poulticing the part, in many of those 
persistent itching cases, till suppuration takes place, is the 
only method the writer has found that relieves permanently. 
Two grains of sulphate of zinc, added to a pint of water, and 
a portion applied two or three times daily, relieves some cases. 

If an individual is apparently frozen to death, efforts must 
be made to bring relief. If the body is badly affected, an un- 
controllable disposition to sleep comes on, which is likely to 
terminate in death, especially if not prevented from yielding to 
the disposition. Cold water or snow may be applied as in the 
above cases, but it must be done very quickly, and imme- 
diately followed by rubbing briskly with a woolen fabric. 
Drinks, tea or water, as hot as can be swallowed without 
burning, should be given freely, and the patient well wrapped 
in woolen fabric. 



310 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

"BLACK DEATH.' ' 
"Black death," also called "black tongue," is a name given 
to a disease that was said to manifest among a caravan from 
Central Asia that arrived at Constantinople, in 1347. It was 
reported to have been exceedingly fatal, not one in ten recover- 
ing. Its cause was attributed to filth, and its chief breeding 
place was placed among the wearers of untanned pelts. 

The immediate onset was ushered in with a chill, followed 
by exalted heat and profuse sweating ; soreness of the muscles 
appeared and lumps under the arm-pits, and in the groins, 
buboes. It was said to be contagious and spread rapidly. 

It is evident from the description of the disease and the re- 
port of its immense fatality, that the physicians knew nothing 
of either its cause, nature, or how to treat the disease, and 
the name given to designate the disease would put one to 
guessing whether that age, or this age, was, or is, the "dark 
ages," as the name seems scientifically so modern. 

There is no doubt that the disease given the above name, 
-was a general prostration, consequent upon prolonged travel 
and improper foods and constantly seeing new views, instead 
of a contagious disease. In addition to the above depressing 
factors, the condition was doubtless augmented by unhygienic 
surroundings or environments, and doubtless unsanitary habits. 

Every soldier who has been on a long march, no matter 
how well he may have been prepared for the journey, well 
knows its exhausting effects; and, if anyone would desire to 
know the exhausting effects of simply constantly seeing new 
views, take a position where the eye can look upon a con- 
stantly changing panoramic view. The first effects will be 
found to be exhilirating, but continuing a degree beyond this, 
the effect will be found to be extremely prostrating, and car- 
ried to a great extent without relief, as in the case of monot- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 311 

ony, cause death. Probably rest, comfortable environments, 
and wholesome foods would have cured many, especially those 
whose vital forces were not exhausted to their limit of endur- 
ance. But we hope that disease under the above caption is 
obsolete. 

CHLOROSIS. 

The manifestation of ailment called "green sickness" (there 
is no accounting for names for sicknesses when science gets to 
naming) is a morbid condition in which the system manifests 
sluggishness, torpidity, accompanied -with more or less pros- 
tration. There may be some bloated appearance about the 
face, hands and feet, or, it may extend all over the body. The 
excretory functions are not well performed, and the system is 
badly nourished. There is disposition to inactivity, melancholy, 
despondency, occasionally becoming so gloomy as to sigh and 
shed tears for no accountable reason. The involuntary muscles 
are sometimes affected with convulsive movements or twitch- 
ings, as of the fingers, in the muscles of the face or other parts 
of the body. When this last named symptom manifests the dis- 
ease is called St. Vitus dance, chorea, and epilepsy. 

In the general characteristics of the types of disease or 
ailment, called chlorosis or green sickness, St. Vitus dance, 
chorea and epilepsy, the conditions and causes are so identical 
that it requires high specializing to draw a line of difference. 

The first necessity is to establish excretion by rousing the 
liver to proper activity, and to promote nutrition, supplying 
sufficient wholesome nutritious foods, daily exercise in out- 
door air, and plentiful sleep in the natural time for sleep — 
night. Dissipating habits must be stopped, as drinking intox- 
icants, chewing tobacco, losing sleep at night, and sexual ex- 
citations however produced. Wholesome mental occupation 
must also be provided. 



312 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In addition to the above, the mixture directed in the treat- 
ment of uraemia, that contains podophyllin and cascara, may 
be given as there directed. The hot water baths taken from 
every other day, to twice a week, are invaluable. The parts 
especially affected with the twitchings or nervousness may be 
bathed several times a day with benefit, using the water as 
hot as can be borne. To the water used for the spongings and 
baths, the following may be added. Spirits of camphor, essence 
of peppermint, and glycerine, of each, three teaspoonfuls, to 
half a gallon of water used. This quiets nervous excitation, 
removes soreness and promotes the circulation. 

CRAMPS IN THE FEET AND LEGS. 

Cramps in the feet and legs are due to a feeble condition of 
the system — to feeble or obstructed circulation. 

Add tincture of viburnum, five drops, to four ounces of 
water and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every hour. From 
three to five doses usually give relief. 

If the paroxysm is intense give one drop of the tincture of 
viburnum in a teaspoonful of water ; if relief is not well marked 
give another drop in the same way in thirty minutes, and then 
continue the other mixture every two hours so long as neces- 
sary. Hot applications should be applied to the feet. A bet- 
terment of the general health must be obtained. 

The bottoms of the feet bathed with spirits of camphor, 
also gives relief when the attack is present. 

Sufficient rest in the recumbent position must be taken. 
The feet bathed in hot water aids very much in procuring 
betterment. 

A dose of the Garfield Tea taken every morning before eat- 
ing anything, for three mornings, then a dose every second to 



GENERAL DISEASES. 313 

every fourth morning, places the circulation in good condition 
in very many cases. 

In cases of greater severity, or when there continues a dis- 
position to return, the mixture containing podophyllin and cas- 
cara, directed in this book in the treatment of uraemia, may 
be given as there directed, with the good result desired. 

Or the capsules (see remedies in this book) may be taken, 
or the powder without being placed in the capsules. These are 
to be taken with the same frequency as the above cascara mix- 
ture. 

STAMMERING. 

Stammering caused by a defect or deformity of the anatomy 
of the speaking organs is not frequently met. The chief factors 
in the cause of this affection are frights and emotion. The male 
sex are more frequently affected with stammering than females, 
which may be attributed to the fact that females are less sub- 
ject to violent emotions. The greatest majority of cases may be 
overcome by reading aloud. Another valuable aid in overcom- 
ing this fault is habituating the affected person to talk "while 
standing. In very young children watchful prompting wall 
eradicate it. 

DEFORMITIES. 

Various deformities are met, and their existence is attribu- 
ted to various causes. When they are congenital, from perver- 
sion or defect of nature to correctly complete her work, there 
is comparatively little hope for betterment. Surgery and sur- 
gical appliances, however much they promise, leave many very 
miserable failures to mark the path of her work. It is an evi- 
dent fact that very many of the short-comings of nature are 
easier endured and reconciled to, than many of the mutilations 
of surgery in attempting to rectify them. 



314 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

There have been some cases of curvature of the spine, 
lateral curvature chiefly, benefited, but like all defects of nature, 
no art or science can remove these morbosities and make the 
subject perfect. 

If treatment is properly given in very early life, better re- 
sults may be realized than can probably be looked for in later 
life. 

Various corsets, braces, and fixations have been used for 
this purpose with varying degrees of success and failure — many 
failures. Ambrose Pare in 1597, used a steel fixture; in 1698 
Van Nuck used a suspended apparatus, which seemed to have 
been of some utility, being somewhat used yet. In 1700, Heis- 
ter devised a support which was thought to have some desira- 
ble features, and various other contrivances have come into 
existence, each claiming some superiority over its predecessor. 
Whatever might be purchased in these lines, should a case pre- 
sent, it would be advisable to seek medical counsel in person. 

With the best achievements obtained in this line of work, 
there are very many cases that no substantial betterment can 
be looked for, and one would better take the shekels spent in 
seeking remedial aid in the very largest number of cases, and 
devote them to the placing of the subjects in the best comfort- 
able position to enjoy life with the infirmity they must bear. 

LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA. 
The above appellation is given to a condition affecting the 
human body, characterized by the loss of the power to control 
the voluntary muscular movements. It is generally considered 
to be due to a morbid condition in the spinal cord. Its causes 
are not well understood. Doubtless much of its cause is con- 
genital, especially when manifesting in early life ; injudicious 
habits may favor its development, or it may be due to morbid 
condition of the health, or sequela to some severe disease. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 315 

Various symptoms exhibit in the beginning of this afflie- 
tion, and those generally first manifesting are unsteadiness of 
gait, dizziness, a sensation as if going to fall, a heavy numb- 
ness of the feet, this sensation extending to the hands and 
arms; darting and shifting pains, disordered digestion and 
nutrition, and disordered excretions. 

To expect any betterment proper treatment must be begun 
in its first inception, or manifestation. The first proper treat- 
ment consists in placing the general health in the best possible 
condition. Normal secretion and excretion must be established, 
and a healthy nutrition promoted. The patient must be pro- 
tected from cold and wet. Plenty of nutritious foods must be 
supplied. 

The following tonic preparation serves a kindly purpose in 
promoting digestion and assimilation: Take tincture of wild 
cherry bark, two ounces; tincture of gentian, one-fourth of a 
drachm; tincture of golden seal, one-fourth of an ounce; 
tincture of prickly ash berries, two ounces ; sweet spirits of 
nitre, one ounce; and glycerine, six ounces. Mix. Give a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture three times a day. Give a capsule (or 
the powder without placing it in the capsule), as directed in 
the article on remedies in this work. 

OLD AGE. 

Old age may come to any, all expect it ; all should prepare 
the comforts and needs for it while the vigor of body and mind 
can be expected to be capable of activity so essential to do so. 
With numbers of years comes physical and mental feebleness, 
more with some than others, but no one knows whose lot will 
be complete inability to look after our temporal and mental 
welfare when our years have out-run our strength. 

With the snowy years comes the failure of eyesight, of hear- 
ing, of memory, depriving us of calling up the records of the 



316 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

past and associating them with the present ; tastes decline, our 
desires for friendships weaken, the vim of impulse fades, and an 
all-let-go of life, its environments and possibilities, takes pos- 
session of our very being. 

These remaining in the bounds of the usual line of progres- 
sion need not be wholly unpleasant to ourselves and associates, 
but as with these may associate a morbid perversion, senile de- 
mentia, which in addition to making us of neither utility nor 
pleasure, and incapacitating us to sensibly choose our surround- 
ings, but makes many feared and repulsive. 

Large persons, in advancing and advanced age, of seden- 
tary habits, or habits of inactivity and hearty eaters, stand a 
very fair chance of dying suddenly of apoplexy, or so-called 
"heart failure." Reasonable exercise is wholesome and condu- 
cive to good health in all periods of life, and it is not at all 
the least so in advanced age. It aids in ridding the system of 
effete and unused materials, and greatly aids in retaining its 
equilibrium. 

The approaching of undue largeness over the body, or more 
largeness than has been the usual habit of the body, the over- 
enlarging of the abdomen requires attention. These are, as a 
rule, due to developing abnormality, and the condition can and 
should be restrained and kept within the natural bounds. 

A remedy that is not unpleasant to take, and is not disa- 
greeable in its actions, is Garfield Tea. 

HELPFUL vSUGGESTIONS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE. 

Many elderly people are prone to pruitic (itching) annoy- 
ances, though no well defined skin disease exhibits. This is 
due in part to improper care of the health, to improper 
eating and to neglect of baths, and in part to the system's 
adjusting itself to the final yielding up of life ; and further on 



GENERAL DISEASES. 317 

account of parts in the body's structure here and there, 
having served their purpose in the bodily economy and being 
dead, are retained in the system to become irritating factors 
because of the lack of vital energy to properly perform the 
function of excretion. 

Many in advanced age are disinclined to wash and bathe 
the body and parts, a habit which contributes to many un- 
favorable developments, making their own existence miserable, 
shortening their life, as well as making their presence unde- 
sirable. Frequent washings of the entire body, in addition to 
the pleasantness of cleanliness, when hot water is used, give 
the entire system a wholesome sedation and a great degree of 
betterment, followed by improved condition of mind. 

The excretive outlets of the body should be washed every 
day in any age of life, but especially so in the advanced age, 
and by persons of sedentary habits. The adjacent parts ol 
these outlets may become irritated by cutaneous exudates, and 
in advanced age when the functions of the body are feebly 
performed, due to failing vigor, and in persons of sedentary 
and sluggish habits, the natural cleansings of these organs 
are partially or imperfectly performed, and the washings are a 
necessity to produce even comfort. 

The hot water sitz-bath is exceedingly beneficial to elderly 
people, aiding greatly in preserving tone to the urinary and 
intestinal organs. Hot water injections per rectum, taken 
twice weekly, by elderly people, prevent a deal of unpleasant- 
ness. 

Many aged people suffer from alternate attacks of obsti- 
nate constipation and diarrhea, also vomiting bile or bilious 
matters, urinary organs disturbed, and a suggestion of fever. 
The following serves the goodly purpose desired : Take cas- 
cara aromatic, two ounces; glycerine, two ounces ; sweet 



318 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

spirits of nitre, half an ounce ; tincture of buchu, one ounce ; 
simple syrup, two ounces. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful. A dose 
taken three times a day, for one to three days, removes the 
annoyances and kindly restores to healthy condition, in many 
of these cases. In severer cases one grain of podophyllin 
should be added to the above, and three doses may be taken, 
each three hours apart every third day till recovery is pro- 
gressing. 

Tincture of aconite, Hyc drops, added to four ounces of 
water, a teaspoonful of the mixture taken every three hours, 
for a few days, will allay fever and nervousness. 

Nux vomica is well adapted to the needs of aged people, 
especially in cases of occasional headache, nausea, nervousness, 
and in some cases of constipation. 

Add five drops of tincture of nux vomica, to four ounces of 
water. A teaspoonful of the mixture taken every three hours, 
for three or four days, will disperse many of these attacks. 

For scalding and burning sensations accompanying the pas- 
sage of urine, for immediate relief take the following : Acetate 
of potassium, one teaspoonful; water, four ounces. Mix. Take 
a teaspoonful every four hours during the day, till recovery. 
Seldom more than this quantity is needed. Occasionally some 
of the severer types of this annoyance will not disperse easily, 
and even when once dispersed, dispose to return again soon. 
For these cases give a capsule (see remedies in this book) every 
night for two or three nights, or longer if needed. One taken 
every third or fourth night, till three or four are taken serves 
well enough, for many over sixty or sixty-five years old. 

As the senile decrepitudes are coming on there is a disposi- 
tion of the system, in many cases, to lose as it were, the equa- 
nimity of its mineral and animal constituents, and much of the 
regularity of the various functions of the economy of the body, 



GENERAL DISEASES. 319 

the activities becoming more feeble. In many respects sensibil- 
ities are increased, in others decreased. The sense of taste be- 
comes modified, or changed, in some cases so marked that the 
persons have thought the foods were improperly cooked, or 
that there was some special or peculiar change in the articles 
of food depriving them of a flavor they had formerly possessed. 
This change is only due to the change in the person, to that 
failing going on within the body's self, to a letting lose of life, its 
tastes, its desires, its all, the hold upon all that is embodied 
in that which makes up life, becoming weaker and weaker. 

Some special care or attentions can make this decline a de- 
gree of pleasantness, not otherwise obtained, as well as deprive 
it of many annoyances, or prevent them from being so keenly 
felt. 

Protections from exposures, both from inclement weather 
and unpleasant social surroundings are essential to both com- 
fort and happiness. Many things that are comparatively un- 
impressionable to the young, are very keenly cutting to the 
aged. Many persons who die apparently from old age, die 
from the above causes. 

The aged should be supplied with abundance of well ma- 
tured and well ripened fruits. Fruits greatly aid in preventing 
the undue earthy and calcareous deposits, that are prone to 
appear in advanced age, causing a variety of distresses. They 
also lend a great degree of comfortable feeling that is not im- 
parted by greasy foods. 

Sometimes there are enlargements manifest about the ex 1 
ternal urinary organs, reaching, in some cases, to the extent of 
apparent inguinal hernia, the protuberance sometimes extend- 
ing to considerable size. There is frequently associated with 
this cramps along the lower limbs. The hot water sitz-bath 
alone very frequently disperses this morbid condition. 



320 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

When this condition manifests, if there is much severity, the 
hot water sitz-bath should be taken morning and evening. Once 
a dav in milder cases will be sufficient. 

The hot water injection, per rectum, taken once a day, is 
invaluable in these cases of disturbance, and may be used in 
addition to the sitz-bath. 

And, in cases of much severity, or when the annoyance dis- 
poses to disperse slowly, the recovery is greatly hastened by 
giving the patient the mixture containing podophyllin and cas- 
cara, directed in the treatment of uraemia in this book, as there 
directed ; or, in addition to the injections and sitz-baths, a dose 
of anti-bilious physic, as the first medicine given, hastens a 
rapid start to recovery better than any other remedy. After 
this, give the cascara mixture sufficiently frequent to keep up 
two or three alvine dejections each twenty-four hours. Usually 
a tablespoonful or a teaspoonful of this mixture, taken every 
night at bed time, or every other night, will accomplish this, 
and, in addition to the above effect, it produces a general bet- 
terment throughout the system. 

Any one can use or give the above remedies and treatments. 

The following may be given : Take viburnum, three 
drachms; gelseminum, half a drachm; water, four ounces. Mix. 
Dose. A teaspoonful every four hours, during the day. 

In cases where there is flatulence, or restlessness, or dispo- 
sition to colic at night, the following serves well to disperse 
the unpleasantness: Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each, 
two ounces; dioscorea vil., half a drachm. Mix. A teaspoonful 
of the mixture may be taken three times a day, so long as 
needed. 

Aged people are sometimes annoyed with dribbling of urine. 
This is due in part to disease, but largely to deficient tonicity 
which is consequent to decline — to the failing incident to senil- 



GENERAL DISEASES. 321 

ity. However, except in cases of very long continuance and in 
the very aged, it may be stopped. 

I have found the following to meet the requirements in the 
largest number of cases: Take thuja, twenty drops; water 
four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful every three hours, 
during the day. 

A dose of Garfield Tea may also be taken. One dose is 
generally sufficient, but a dose may be taken several mornings 
successively and then a dose twice to once a week, for awhile 
with great benefit. 

DISTURBANCES ABOUT THE URINARY ORGANS.- 

OBSERVATIONS. 

A very large per cent, of the disturbances, irritation and 
discharges, about the pelvic region is due to deficient elimina- 
tion of the debris and detritus of the economy, and deficient 
urinary and alvine excretions, an impacted colon from long 
continued constipation causing an immeasurable amount of 
disturbance. To the above causes is due the depressed and 
despondent condition sometimes accompanying this annoyance. 
These annoyances are frequently interpreted as being disturb- 
ances of the reproductive organs, such condition very seldom 
being the case. 

The following preparation removes the disturbances : Take 
simple syrup, cascara aromatic and glycerine, of each, three 
ounces ; tincture of buchu, two ounces ; sweet spirits nitre, one 
ounce, and podophyllin, one grain. Mix, and shake the bottle 
well each time before taking a dose. Take a tablespoonful of 
this mixture every night just before going to bed, for four or 
five nights, then one or two doses a week so long as necessary. 
Administer a sponge bath to the entire body for thorough 
cleanliness, and a hot water sitz-bath, twice a week, in addi- 
11- 



322 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

tion to taking the above medicine, and irritations will be 
quieted, and other morbid conditions will disappear. Plenty 
of muscular exercise in the out door air, also greatly aids in 
promoting recovery. 

The above mixture can be very advantageously taken as 
above directed, any time when dull, heavy, tired, weary, rest- 
less, smoothery, or nervous feelings appear. It will not only 
give a general betterment, but will keep warded off the danger 
to a paralytic stroke, or apoplexy. 

A cup of Garfield Tea taken the first thing in the morning 
or the last thing at night, is of great value in aiding the sys- 
tem to retain its equilibrium. When there are annoyances be- 
ginning to manifest, a dose may be taken three times a week, 
for a week or two. 

OPIUM. 

The action of opium is to destroy the vital functions of 
the economy of our body. It lays its paralyzing grasp upon 
the functions of digestion and elimination, the two essentials 
in continuing life. It checks the secretion of the gastric juices, 
the bile, all of the digestive principles, and paralyzes the activ- 
ities of the excretory function, thus locking in the fecal mass 
and other effete materials, which add poison to the system in 
addition to the poison of the opium's self. The appetite dis- 
appears because of the paralyzed condition of the vital func- 
tions, and the body must consume itself, and the physical 
strength declines; as the tissues are consumed, emaciation of 
the body exhibits — occasionally a seeming plentifulness of flesh 
appears, but instead of flesh, it is dropsy, or bloat. 

The mental functions succumb to the paralyzing effects of 
the opium upon the brain, and though in its earlier adminis- 
tration a degree of brilliancy of mind is sometimes manifest, 
the mental possibilities narrow, become restricted, eventuating 



GENERAL DISEASES. 323 

in entire disability. It is always a disease producing and dis- 
ease promoting factor. If disease is not already present, by 
destroying and preventing the vital functions and processes, it 
produces it. 

Morbid, irritating matters pent-up within the system, cause 
various types of ailments and distresses. Administering opium 
or medicines of like effect may deaden sensibility to pain for 
a while, but the cause of the disturbance not having been re- 
moved, and the vital energies having been lessened by the 
opium, the pain returns with greater intensity when the stupe- 
fying effect of the opium subsides. It thus acts in all condi- 
tions. 

INSANITY. 

The alarming increase of insanity and idiocy savors some- 
thing of a reproach to medical science, civilization, and the 
churches, and requires serious consideration for measures to 
check its increase. When insanity and idiocy double, or nearly 
double their numbers in one decade, the outlook is certainly a- 
larming. The number and capacity of buildings necessary to con- 
fine these unfortunates, and the amount of money and number 
of attendants necessary for keeping them confined is assuming 
monstrous proportions, and while it is certainly praiseworthy 
that those among any people who are unable to care for their 
own comfort be provided for, a large and increasing number 
of dependent subjects is a reproach upon the habits of the peo- 
ple and the guardians of its health, and certainly writes its 
future fate in bold letterings. 

These public institutions are officered through political 
favors and not by superior qualifications as a rule, and the re- 
sult is deleterious instead of beneficial. The remarkably few 
cures obtained in public institutions for insane, are deserving 
of attention, also their situation, environments, etc. The disin- 



324 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

fectants used in some of these institutions are especially dan- 
gerous. I have reference to the carbolic acid anil other poisons 
used. Thoroughly fill the atmosphere of rooms with the poi- 
son of carbolic acid and then add to that the poisonous effluvia 
of the effete materials of the natural detritus which emenates 
from the bodies of over large numbers of patients crowded to- 
gether, and you have a condition of atmosphere that would 
corrode a steel body and unbalance the strongest mind in ex- 
istence. 

These unfortunates obtain chiefly from three sources, those 
suffering principally from physical ailments consequent upon a 
prostrated condition of health, and largely victims of improper 
medical treatment, and those who by vicious habits have des- 
troyed their betterness both physically and mentally, and the pro- 
ducts or offsprings of this class ; and the other additional few 
probably being victims of mechanical injury from accident. 

Insanity is preventable in the greatest degree, especially so 
in cases in the first named, causes — almost entirely curable in 
the first named, and to a degree in the second named causes. 
In the first named cases use prevention by proper care of health 
and recreation to avoid physical break-downs, and effect cures by 
proper treatment to build up the health, and agreeable intellec- 
tual enjoyment. Prevention in the second class is secured by 
proper education, and proper interference to prevent repro- 
duction of this class. 

The numerous and various cases cannot be successfully and 
properly cared for as confined together in public institutions; 
unavoidably there must be great monotony, which is one prime 
factor in sending many inmates there. The most prominent 
causes of insanity in the first named cases are developed within 
the body, augmented by unpleasant treatment and surround- 
ings, are due to poison from effete materials in the economy (in 



GENERAL DISEASES. 325 

the body), the presence of which is neither voluntary nor recog- 
nized as vicious in a moral sense; it is due to derangement of 
organization, manifested by derangement of functions to which 
retention of poisons is attributable. This class does not prop- 
erly belong to public institutions and should not be permitted 
to be confined there. In almost every case they can be more 
properly and successfully treated in their own private homes. 
The possible few cases who could not be should be prepared 
for in private institutions in the districts wherein they appear. 
The time is ripe when this subject must engage attention. 

Harmless dependents should also be assigned to places dis- 
tant from the harmful, and provisions made for fewer in number 
being confined in one place. It is evident this importance must 
receive consideration. By fewer of these dependent subjects be- 
ing confined together in one place much of the injurious obnox- 
iousness native to such condition is obviated, thus bettering 
conditions. 

"KNOW THYSELF. " 

Vile advertisements in daily newspapers and periodicals of 
every sort, and pamphlets with such fascinating titles as 
"Know Thyself Young Man" are freely disseminated on every 
hand, together with those vile and falsifying "Lectures to Men 
Only," and "Young Men Only" and other moral lepers 
who pose as "Specialists" to "Restore Lost Manhood," 
great numbers [of whom infest large cities, are a species 
of evil producing factor, the measure of which is not 
equalled by the rum traffic. The above evil disseminators 
prey upon the ignorance of the young men who have 
just developed into puberty, misguiding them and falsely 
instructing them regarding the naturalness of the functions of 
their newly developed self, and by their misrepresentations 
implant in their minds the direst fears lest their normal dis- 



326 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

charges are fast fitting them for the insane asylum, strenuously 
smothering and crushing out every spark or ray of the finer, 
higher, nobler manhood, cultivating the purely sensual, teach- 
ing self- abuse and worse vile practices, thus developing them 
into sexual fiends. And when these lepers have robbed the 
pockets of the young men, and in addition have made them 
moral and physical wrecks, they slip them off their hands and 
turn them out a curse to themselves and those around them, 
and to end up in some heinous criminality, or to become a 
victim in some institution of dependence — perhaps an insane 
asylum, which result is only due to the wretched treatment 
from the hands of these misguiders. 

Another class of similar stripe, posing as "specialists to 
treat female diseases" are equally evil factors. The ignorance 
of young men, women and girls make them easy victims of 
these professional vagabonds. 

The human body, the crowning piece of God's creation, is 
not made the most defective of all His created works, as the 
above class of beings would have people believe. The human 
body, though wonderful in its mechanism and the functions 
of parts, is made admirably adapted to the essentials and 
necessities of its economy for its healthful and rightful contin- 
uance. In all of God's created things He has made and pro- 
vided every necessity for its well being and continuance with- 
out compelling the being to destroy or wrongfully use itself in 
filling the mission for which it was created. To admit other- 
wise is to accuse God of incompetency of design and lack of 
righteousness in purpose, which to do there is no greater 
blasphemy. 

There is no part of the human body but that is essential 
to its continuance, well-being and harmony — no part that God 
did not make for a special purpose in the economy of the body 



GENERAL DISEASES. 327 

— suitably adapted for each and every purpose for which it was 
created, from the smallest cell growth to the greatest organ, 
and that, too, without compelling us to sin, mis-use or abuse. 
Nowhere throughout the human body is there found an absence 
of provision for its perfect economy. The reproductive function 
remains in perfect passivity, such as no other function of the 
entire economy of the body does, and unlike the other functions 
of the bodily economy, it conies into active being- at the bid- 
ding- of the mind only. The detritus from this part of the body 
is eliminated from the male by muscular exercise and the dis- 
charges (which discharge corresponds to the catamenia in fe- 
males), and from the female by muscular exercise and the cat- 
amenia discharge. Both of these excretions are as proper and 
harmless as the urinary and alvine excretions, though their ab- 
sence is by no means as harmful. 

Voluntary discharges from the mouth of the urethra are 
not seminal emissions. Seminal emission does not take place 
without agitation, and agitation does not take place during 
sleep. Neither are these discharges always due to conditions of 
disease, but to a healthy functional secretion or discharge from 
the serous membrane lining the cavity, which may be from the 
canal of the urethra, the bladder, or any organ containing a 
cavity (all cavities have a serous surface), and there is a healthy 
functional secretion from all serous surfaces, and the discharge 
appearing at this place is not an exception and is in no way 
connected with the function of reproduction. 

SIT ERECT, WALK ERECT, STAND ERECT. 

The incorrect walking, sitting, and standing posture in- 
dulged in by some people much to the injury of their health 
and deformity of their body, is the result of faulty education 
and idolence, rather than to any specific weakness or the re- 
sult of consumption, as many claim. Young people who sud- 



328 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

denly shoot up to the bodily height of adults, thus placing 
them to better appearance from bodily size with adults, and 
by mental inclinations with those of their own years who are 
mentally children with themselves, partly from a sense of awk- 
wardness, and partly from an apparent desire to equalize them- 
selves with their companions, permit a curving forward of both 
head and body which if permitted to continue, results in per- 
manent deformity. 

The curving forward attitude, cramping the organs asso- 
ciated with the neck, crowding the lungs, liver, stomach and 
bowels into the capacity of one of these organs, is injurious to 
all of them. 

The body may be trained to a correct, or erect posture, in 
sitting, standing and walking, leaving the organs of voice un- 
obstructed, the chest expanded, and the other organs un- 
cramped, which will not only give a dignified appearance to an 
otherwise awkward and deformed looking body, but will pre- 
serve and improve the voice, and permit the other organs to 
have unobstructed freedom for performing their functions, thus 
favoring a general betterment of the health. The head, also, 
should be held erect. The bending forward when this position 
is necessary, should occur near the hips. 

Every person cannot be a great walker, but every normal 
person can be a good and genteel walker. The slouchy walk, 
the waddling motion, the swinging, slinging, jogging along 
need not be practiced. The head can be carried upright, 
shoulders back leaving the chest uncramped, head and shoulders 
carried steady without swaying, and the knees bent slightly, 
all that is necessary without ungracefulness. In this position 
breathing can be deep and free, and should be through the 
nose. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 



329 



HOW LONG HAVE WE TO LIVE. 

From any period of any one's life, an estimate of the prob- 
able prolongation of life is uf more importance, especially in 
considering important changes in business positions, entering 
into new undertakings, enterprises, etc., and though not caring 
from the above standpoint to consider the subject it may in- 
terest from curiosity. The following is said to have been pre- 
pared by Dr. William Farr. Beginning at ten, part is omitted : 
Those who have lived to 10 yrs, 47.05 yrs. more to live 



20 ' 


39.48 


25 ' 


36.12 


30 ' 


32.75 


35 < 


29.40 


40 ' 


26.06 


45 ' 


22.76 


50 • 


19.54 


55 ' 


16.45 


60 ' 


13.53 


70 ' 


8.55 


80 < 


4.93 


90 ' 


2.84 


100 ' 


1.68 



Notwithstanding, that woman, by nature fills the place in 
life fraught with the greatest dangers, the most taxing hard- 
ships and severest trials, she comes out with chances for life 
in her favor. This is due to the fact that women do not de- 
stroy their powers to live by vile habits so common among 
men. If women were as free to choose their habits of life and 
their environments as are men, the chances for prolongation of 
life would reach from thirty to fifty years beyond those of men 
— men continuing their present habits. 



330 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

AFTER EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING STROKE OR SHOCK. 

There are so few cases of lightning stroke or severe shock 
that recover, that comparatively little is known or obtainable 
of its after effects, or any peculiar sequela. Many physicians 
practice treating diseases twenty or thirty years without see- 
ing a single case. In a practice extending over more than a 
quarter of a century the writer has seen but one case that was 
killed by lightning and five that were badly shocked. The case 
of a young man seventeen years old, who was severely shocked, 
retained some discoloration for more than two months. The 
greater part of that time he felt ' 'dazed", as he described his 
feelings, as a "nervousness" which was "very unpleasant;" 
this gradually decreasing for near two years before he could 
resume attentions to business with his usual vigor. 

APPARENT DEATH FROM LIGHTNING STROKE 

OR SHOCK. 

Dr. Gunn's Treatment: "Dash cold water over the head, 
face, and the whole body, continuing to pour it on the head. 
If this does not revive in a few minutes, remove all of the 
clothing, have a hole dug in the ground large enough, and 
place the patient in it in a half sitting posture, and cover all 
of the body with fresh earth but the face. As soon as the eyes 
begin to move freely shade the face, and soon as the patient 
begins to breathe freely, remove to a light and airy room, 
wash the body with cold water." 

THE EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD. 

A moderate exposure to cold for a short period, may be fol- 
lowed by a glow of speedy re-action, and in such event it exer- 
cises a tonic and stimulating influence; but if cold is great and 
exposure is of long duration, instead of re-action, depression 



GENERAL DISEASES. 331 

occurs, from which recovery is slow, and sometimes does not 
result. 

To lower the vitality, and destroy altogether the vital 
activity of the part, or in the entire body, is the effect of ex- 
treme cold. The processes of physiological and chemical 
changes which are essential to every manifestation of life, being 
only possible within very narrow limits of temperature, are 
hindered and absolutely prevented by cold; the small arteries 
and capillaries after extreme exposure become congested and 
so contracted as not to permit the passage or circulation of 
the blood, and the normal condition, composition, and struct- 
ural integrity of the various tissues are more or less impaired, 
or may be destroyed altogether. Cold, by stopping the vital 
activities, leads to congealation and consolidation of the 
various tissues in the body. From such condition, when com- 
plete, recovery is impossible. 

Prolonged and continued exposure to cold, thus keeping 
the vital activities in a depressed condition, gives rise to various 
maladies, eventuating in death, frequently. Various ailments 
would lessen in frequency of appearance and severity of action 
by properly clothing the body, and avoidance of undue ex- 
posure to inclemencies. 

The effect of cold is modified or influenced by the degree 
and duration of exposures, the medium of application, the 
part and extent of surface exposed, and the physiological con- 
dition of the general constitution of the sufferer — or, the power 
of resistance. Dry cold is less rapid and effective than wet 
cold, and the constant removal of the medium in contact, 
hastens the cooling effect. A continuous draft of moderately 
cool air will do more to chill than a temporary exposure to 
cold but still air. The fabric or medium of application also 
greatly influences the rapidity of its action, the bad effects of 



332 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

cold being produced quicker by cotton clothing touching the 
surface of the body, of even the same thickness, than wool 
fabric, the cotton conducting the cold to the body and the 
wool preserving the warmth of the body. 

The serious effects of cold are proportionate to the degree 
and extent of exposure, and the power of resistance of the 
subject. 

The young, especially infants and small children, and the 
aged, the feeble, ill-nourished, and broken in health suffer more 
from cold than the healthy and otherwise vigorous. Hunger, 
loss of sleep, fatigue, anxiety of mind and mental depression of 
whatever kind, lower vitality and diminish the powers of re- 
sistance to the deadly influence of cold even to fatality. 

OBSERVATIONS.— SANITARY. 

Water closets within the private dwellings are repulsively 
filthy, and disease producing and promoting factors. These 
toilets inside of the private dwellings, may seem quite refined, 
but they are quite a filthy refinement. These accessories and 
all house drains should begin and end outside of the walls of 
the dwelling. No drain should extend under the house. 

The habit of having the stables and dung-hills so near the 
dwellings as is especially the custom in cities and towns, is not 
only repulsively unsightly, but positively filthy, and yet people 
who possess these convenient filth factories and receptacles, 
imagine they are living quite cleanly, even when they cannot 
eat a meal, if the doors or windows be open, without obtain- 
ing the odors from these disgusts. It is little use to attempt 
to purify the atmosphere in dwellings so situated, by opening 
doors and windows for such air coming from those offensive 
places to rush in. Uh ! That old sink ; the ugly box. Better 
take it out. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 333 

Every city, town and village should be compelled by stat- 
ute to provide sanitary commodes or toilets for public use. 
They should be convenient of access, yet modestly located, 
should be so arranged that they may be easily kept in sanitary 
condition, and should be supplied with a constant attendant. 
Those for ladies and children should be located distant a block 
or more, from those intended for the use of gentlemen. 

They can be made self-sustaining by charging a small ad- 
mittance, from a penny to five cents — the five-cent charge be- 
ing for a woman accompanied by several children, and should 
entitle to convenience for washing the children's faces and ar- 
ranging their hair, arrangements for which should be provided 
in the construction of the building. Where they cannot be 
made self-supporting, they should be sustained from public 
funds. 



PART THIRD. 



SORES AND WOUNDS.— THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

All wounds, especially about the face, neck, hands and arms, 
should be dressed without sewing, where it is possible to do 
so. With proper care, very extensive wounds can be adjusted 
and confined in shapely position by means of strips of adhesive 
or court plaster, and bandagings or gauzes attached to the 
parts with colodion. The stitchings make more wounds to heal 
and more surface to scar. 

It is not, in my judgement, advisable to use carbolic acid, 
bichloride of mercury, or other poisonous medicines, for pre- 
sumable antiseptic purposes. Poisons are easily absorbed by 
open wounds, and I am of the opinion that much harm is 
done, and has been done, by these applications, even to the ex- 
tent of fatal poisonings. Simple cleanliness, with hot water 
and spirits of turpentine equal parts in extensive bleedings, and 
in cases of less severity one part turpentine and eight parts 
water, is a much safer means; or, I would rather trust the 
plain hot water. Turpentine to internal surfaces causes no 
unpleasant feelings, but to external surfaces it sometimes blisters 
or smarts. To overcome this protect the outer parts first by 
applying castor oil. Either of these favor recovery, control 
any excessive bleedings and prevent undue suppuration. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 335 

Wounds exhibit appearances according to the means of me- 
chanical injury. In ail cases examination must be made to as- 
certain the nature and extent of the wound. Whatever the 
nature or extent of the wound or injury, it must be dealt with 
according to the conditions it presents, and efforts made to do 
the best that can be done under the existing circumstances to 
promote recovery. The first thing that can be done is to place 
the patient in the most comfortable position possible and stop 
the flow of blood. 

If the wound is not too extensive it may be pressed upon 
with a finger firmly, when the hemorrhage will stop. A more 
extensive wound must be drawn together and a compress of 
cotton, a folded cloth, or a sponge, dipped in water as hot as 
can be borne, confined upon it. To the water used should be 
added one-fourth as much spirits of turpentine — or the equal 
parts of spirits of turpentine and water. 

When the bleeding has sufficiently ceased, cleanse the wound 
of dirt or any foreign substance, cleanse over with the water 
and turpentine, draw the edges together and apply strips of 
adhesive or court plaster. If the wound is deep or otherwise 
extensive, leave slight spaces between the strips for the purpose 
of permitting drainage. Should there be indications that adhe- 
sive strips will not be sufficient to keep the parts properly to- 
gether, a bandage may be applied. Small wounds of no great 
depth usually heal without further dre'ssing. 

If the wound is extensive, of great depth, or large blood 
vessels cut, or if an extensive bruise exhibits, a surgeon should 
be called. 

But efforts must be made to save life till the arrival of a 
surgeon. The hemorrhage may be held in arrest by the appli- 
cation of a compress, which may be made by folding a piece 
of cloth several thicknesses, dip it in hot water, if it can be 



336 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

had, and hold it firmly over the wound; if hemorrhage does 
not readily check, another cloth treated the same way may be 
applied, or a bandage may be applied. If a surgeon cannot be 
obtained, proceed to cleanse and dress the wound as above 
directed. 

If inflammation appears to any degree, tincture of arnica, 
applied once or twice a day, will doubtless be sufficient. But 
I prefer equal parts of castor oil, spirits of turpentine, and hot 
water mixed and applied. Usually one application is sufficient. 
Calendula applied to wounds, is said to promote healing with- 
out suppuration. I have not used it, but many claim to have 
used it with excellent results. 

WOUNDS FROM INSECT BITES. 

For insect bites or stings of any variety, I know of noth- 
ing equal to, or better than to apply spirits of turpentine, am- 
monia, or the yelk of eggs and salt as a poultice. 

BROKEN LIMBS. 

In such misfortunes a competent physician and surgeon 
should be called, if one can be obtained. The patient should 
be placed in as comfortable a position as possible, and if no phy- 
sician can be obtained pass the thumb and fingers along the 
course of the bone supposed to be broken, and the fracture or 
break can generally be detected by the roughness, or the de- 
pression of one side of the bone, and the elevation of the other. 
If the limb be moved or rotated, a grating is felt, or a noise 
is sometimes heard; and there is an inability to raise or move 
the limb. 

After it is ascertained that a limb is broken, the bones 
must be replaced into their natural situation with the fractured 
ends in perfect contact; they must be kept in this state. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 337 

To properly attend to the setting and dressing of the bro- 
ken bone, the patient must be placed in a proper position to 
be in comfort and to be handled. Carefully place the ends of 
the bones in perfect contact, which you can detect by touch, 
being careful to get the fractured bones in direct line with each 
other, and see that there are no prominences or depressions; 
keep the necessary tension to keep the bones in correct position, 
and apply a splint. 

A splint may be made of narrow flat pieces of light wood, 
in four or six slats for an arm, four generally being the best; 
they must be placed lengthwise, and must be of sufficient 
length, extending well beyond the injured parts. The splints 
must be placed around on various sides or parts of the broken 
limb, to prevent motion of the parts, and a layer of cotton 
placed next to the skin, to prevent chafing and to aid in 
evenly adjusting the splint. The bandage which must consist 
of a strip of muslin about two inches wide and several yards 
in length, must be rolled up that it may be easily handled in 
applying. The splints being held in place by assistants, the 
operator begins applying the bandage at the lower end of the 
limb and advances upward, securing the splints with sufficient 
firmness. 

It is difficult to describe in words the proper degree of com- 
pression necessary, or to impart the skill required to adjust a 
bandage leaving smoothness and suitableness; much must be 
left to the sense of the operator. If it is bunglingly adjusted it 
will soon slip down, or if too tight it will cause swelling and 
unnecessary pain. 

It must be watched, and kept at ease and in proper posi- 
tion. A lower limb must be kept in proper rest ; an arm must 
be carried in a sling, usually, or for at least a few days. 



338 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Inflammations can, in many cases, be controlled by ap- 
plications of hot water and vinegar, above or below, or above 
and below the injury, and slight swellings kept reduced. In a 
week or ten days if there be reason apparent that anything 
is wrong, it may be undressed and examined, and ascertain 
the wrong, which must be treated according to the nature of 
it, remedied if possible, and the splint returned. 

The patient must be kept on easily digested diet, and must 
not attempt to use the limb too soon after the fracture had 
been united. No heavy labor should be performed after a 
broken leg or arm, in less than six months, even with the best 
apparent recovery. 

It may result that a broken limb may be shorter than the 
one not broken, under the best of treatment ; or, the limb may 
never be as active, it may not be as pliable as before. Much 
depends upon the constitution, age, habits, both before the 
injury, during recovery, and for sometime after. 

BROKEN LIMBS. 

Tincture of arnica applied both above and below the break 
greatly reduces any inflammation that may arise. The bowels 
must be moved every day, as the bowels being in a healthy 
condition greatly diminishes danger to inflammation. Free bil- 
iary alvine action should be produced by proper medication 
following all injuries of even moderate severity. For this pur- 
pose the capsules, or the powder without putting it in the cap- 
sules (see remedies in this book), or any of the preparations 
named in this book containing cascara and podophyllin, serve 
well in these cases. 

DISLOCATION OF THE WRIST. 

A dislocation of the wrist is one of more serious nature 
than a dislocation where there is a less number of joints so 
near together, which usually become more or less involved. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 339 

To reduce the luxation make full and careful tension on the 
hand by grasping it firmly and gently extending it, having an 
attendant hold the forearm firmly if necessary, the operator 
gently bracing the arm and part as needed. It is sometimes 
necessary to adjust a splint. The injured limb or part may be 
bathed in equal parts of vinegar and water hot as can be 
borne, from once to twice a day, especially the first few days 
following the injury. Essence of peppermint and tincture of 
arnica, equal parts, mixed and applied, has an excellent effect 
in removing pain and soreness, also in preventing swellings. 
One part castor oil may be added to this mixture. It may be 
used in addition to the hot water and vinegar baths. 

If the person is of advanced age there is much prospect of 
not being able to secure a perfect recovery. 

OTHER DISLOCATIONS. 

Most all dislocations may be reduced by extension and 
counter extension, yet some prove very vexing even in the 
hands of the most experienced attendants. 

The best method of procedure in reducing dislocations of 
much degree of seriousness, is to administer chloroform; this 
relaxes the parts and also removes the tension of the patient's 
resistance, thus permitting the setting or adjusting of the limb. 
To insure a perfect adjustment of the shoulder and hip disloca- 
tion it is almost necessary to administer chloroform. This a 
physician must do. 

In all cases sufficient time should be permitted to elapse 
for the patient to recover from the shock from the injury before 
adjusting the dislocation, especially if it is necessary to admin- 
ister chloroform, yet the waiting must not be prolonged till 
undue swellings exhibit if it can be avoided. 



340 THE MEDICAL, ADYISER. 

SHOULDER DISLOCATIONS. 
Dr. Louis A. Stinson (Med. Record), suggested the follow- 
ing simple method of reducing shoulder dislocation: A hole 
about six inches in diameter is made in an ordinary canvas 
cot. The patient lies upon this with the arm hanging through 
the hole, the cot being raised some distance from the floor. A 
ten pound sand bag is fastened to the wrist of the dependent 
arm. After a few minutes in this position reduction takes 
place spontaneously. 

He also applies this principle to dorsal dislocation of the 
hip. The patient lies face down upon the table, with legs and 
thighs hanging over at one end. An assistant holds the in- 
jured limb in a horizontal position. The dislocated member is 
allowed to bend at a right angle of the body at the hip; the 
surgeon grasps the ankle, holds the leg horizontally and moves 
it gently from side to side. If the muscles do not relax, a five 
or ten pound sand bag is placed on the leg behind the knee or 
pressure made there with the hand. 

SYNOVITIS. 

Synovitis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane, and 
there may or may not be a distension of the synovial sac from 
accumulated fluids. The knee joint and the elbow joint are the 
most commonly attacked. 

It may be due to mechanical injury, strain, physical fa- 
tigue from too long standing on the feet, or to cold, rheuma- 
tism, gout, syphilis, mercury or quinine. 

It is painful, and sometimes very tedious to remove. It 
may terminate in anchylosed joint, especially if the patient is 
advanced in years. Puncturing or cutting interference always 
produces the anchylosed condition, and should never be per- 
mitted. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 341 

The part must be protected by rest, this is of prime import- 
ance. Soak well the affected part in hot water and vinegar, 
equal parts from two to three times daily, keeping the part in 
the hot bath for half an hour to an hour, at each bathing. 
Continue these daily baths till the reduction of the swelling and 
inflammation are evidently progressing. In addition, bathe the 
part with the following liniment: Take spirits of camphor, 
spirits of turpentine and tincture of arnica, of each two ounces ; 
castor oil, an ounce, and an ounce of oil of cedar; two ounces 
of essence of peppermint, and two ounces of glycerine. Mix, 
and apply all the part will absorb, once a day. Apply twice a 
day if pain and swelling are severe. 

The bowels must be kept active. For this purpose, see 
remedies named in this book. 

ANCHYLOSED JOINT. 

A perfectly anchylosed joint cannot be cured, ossification 
having become complete, there is no remedy. A stiff joint can 
be cured more readily if treatment is begun early. Bathe a 
stiff, or a swelled joint every morning with glycerine, essence 
of peppermint and oil of cedar, equal parts, after having 
soaked it in hot water, for at least twenty minutes to an 
hour. 

Also the following liniment is effective : Take of tincture 
of arnica, spirits of camphor, spirits of turpentine, of each, 
two ounces; aqua ammonia, one ounce; polymnia uvedalia, 
one-fourth of an ounce; and glycerine, four ounces, and castor 
oil, one ounce. Mix, and shake the bottle well, each time be- 
fore using, and apply it twice a day. 

The limb must not be used constantly. In all cases the 
general health must be placed in the very best condition 
possible. 



342 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

The debility that accompanies these conditions is obstinate 
and difficult to overcome in many cases, and the recovery is 
proportionately slow. The following preparation serves to pro- 
mote recovery, by favoring digestion and assimilation: Take 
glycerine, and olive oil, of each, three ounces ; fluid extract of 
cascara aromatic, one ounce; tincture of gentian, fifteen drops, 
and cinchona cal., one drachm. Mix, and give to a child five 
years old, half a teaspoonful half an hour before eating, every 
day for the first week, then a teaspoonful every evening half 
an hour before eating. A teaspoonful is the dose for the adult. 
Much careful watchfulness and patience are necessary in these 
cases, as they are a worse injury than a complete break; the 
break as a rule will heal more readily than strains or sprains. 

STIFF JOINTS. 

Stiff joints may be overcome in some cases by very mild 
treatment, the cause and age of the patient much influencing 
the condition. Injury and disease may have so modified the 
conditions of the bone and surroundings, that a cure cannot 
be effected. 

Hot water baths of at least a half hour duration daily, 
gently rubbing and bending the joint, will be found valuable. 
The following liniment will be found curative in many cases : 
Take tincture of capsicum, spirits of turpentine, spirits of cam- 
phor, of each two ounces ; glycerine, two ounces ; salt peter, a 
heaped tablespoonful ; and castor oil, half an ounce. Mix and 
apply twice a day. 

SPRAINS. 

Sprains may be treated as above directed for stiff joints. 
There may be an equal quantity of vinegar added to the water 
used for the bath. The liniment first directed in the treatment 
of anchylosed joint may be used. The hot water baths to the 
affected parts are invaluable. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 343 

CARIES OF THE BONES. 

This disease exhibits by an ulcerating manifestation of the 
bone to the surface. It may result from external injuries, from 
scrofula, syphilis, the use of mercury, or the condition of ery- 
sipelas or felon. 

It may be treated by first cleansing the part with hot 
water and castile soap, then poulticing with bread and milk 
till there is an appearance of less inflamation ; then cleanse 
the part well and apply as near the bone as can be con- 
veniently done, a small pinch of podophyllin — the dry powder — 
and over the surrounding parts apply the salve, or ointment, 
named for treatment of carbuncle. 

The limb must be kept free from exertion. The general 
constitution must be built up to the best condition, by nutri- 
tious food, and regulating the excretory functions. For the 
purpose of regulating the excretory functions the following 
gives the desired result : Take sweet spirits of nitre, half an 
ounce; glycerine and simple syrup, of each three ounces; fluid 
extract cascara, half an ounce; and podophyllin, half a grain. 
Mix, and give a teaspoonful every three hours till free alvine 
dejections are seen. Then give a dose about one or two times 
a week, or so often as necessary. 

VARICOSE VEINS. 

Varicose or enlarged veins usually appear on the legs. 
When they appear on the legs they are caused by exhausting 
labor while on the feet and by strain. When manifest in preg- 
nant women the above cause is augmented by the weight of 
the child in utero, its size and weight interfering with free 
circulation, the return of the blood being prevented by the 
pressure. 

From the exhausted condition of the patient and the pro- 
longed strain on the lower limbs, the valves lose tonicity and 



344 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

the sides of the vessels give way in places, letting the blood 
bulge out in knot-like tumors. They have the appearance of a 
blood boil and occasion an uneasy distress, and they are in 
constant danger of being ruptured. 

The most certain and speediest cure is to keep the patient 
in the recumbent position, administer hot water spongings, 
especially to the limbs affected, every day, and promote regular 
urinary and alvine actions. A dose of the anti-bilious physic 
should be given, the first thing taken into the stomach in the 
morning, the one dose being sufficient. This removes much 
superfluous and morbid fluids from the blood, thus favoring 
its circulation, and removes unnecessary materials. Equal 
parts of sulphur and cream of tartar, a heaped teaspoonful 
taken every day for three days, then twice a week, also serves, 
but much slower than the above remedy. Essence of pepper- 
mint, spirits of camphor, essence of cinnamon and vaseline, 
equal parts, mixed, makes a good local application to these 
injuries. It may be used twice a day. The writer has never 
found it necessary to use bandages of any kind in these cases. 

BURSA.— HOUSE WIFE'S KNEE. 

In this affection there appears a knot, or protuberance on 
the tendon or about a joint, and though it may exhibit about 
joints elsewhere, where a promotive cause has exhibited, it is 
most frequently met among house-maids, or persons who are 
much upon their knees when laboring, or performing work as 
in scrubbing floors. It may manifest at the wrist or ankle 
joint. It may be caused by continuous pressure upon the part, 
sprains, blows, falls, etc. It is not always painful, especially 
at first, and discoloration may or may not exist. 

Their appearance is slow, and there is frequently as slow 
disappearance, and though slow, if the part is favored with 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 345 

appropriate rest and treatment, the desired recovery will be 
obtained. 

In addition to plentiful rest of the affected limb, the follow- 
ing treatment will arouse the absorbents to carry off any ex- 
cess of fluid which has accumulated, and the part will resume 
its naturalness. Bathe the affected part in hot water, or new 
cider, hot, continuing the bath for twenty minutes to half an 
hour, and repeating it twice daily. The liniment directed for 
application to synovitis, or swelled joint, is a good application 
for this condition. The excretory functions must be kept nor- 
mally active. 

CARCINOMA, OR CANCER. 

Carcinoma, or cancer, is a manifestation of disease which 
in its constitutional impression manifests a devitalizing ten- 
dency, and in its local exhibits a destructive hostility to ad- 
jacent tissue. Attention is first attracted to its presence by a 
local manifestation, though the degenerating influence leading 
up to the morbid outburst, has been executing its foundation 
work for sometime previous, but as the subjects are not imme- 
diately confined to bed, the degeneracy gradually progressing 
in the system, has not attracted marked attention. 

The rapidity of its destructive progress, after its local man- 
ifestation, leads to the conclusion that the entire system is 
greatly involved in a state of degeneracy, the conservative 
forces of the body being able to offer but little resistance, ere 
the local manifestation exhibits. To this involvement of the 
system is due that the removal by surgical operation of it 
from one location does not eradicate it from the system. It is 
not a local specific virus or condition, but a constitutional 
degeneracy. 

Its local manifestation is due to the degenerate matter 
seeking elimination and outlet, and not having obtained it 



346 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

through the proper outlets, a gland has yielded to its impulsive 
force for elimination and expulsion; or, occasionally a follicle, 
as is evident from observations of its attacks of the follicles 
usually being manifested on the lips, or nasal cavities, and per- 
haps the stomach and its adjacent parts. Its attacks of the 
glands are exhibited by the appearances at arm-pit, mammary 
glands, vsupposedly the liver, and perhaps the uterus. 

A bruise or injury may give additional impulse for special 
localization, it being most frequently located in the mammary 
glands being due, no doubt, to milk abcess formed after child- 
bearing, to bruises and injuries from the nursing child, the 
husbands too frequent harsh handlings, and perhaps occasion- 
ally, from bruises from other sources. 

Syphilitic taint, if present, will augment its severity, as it 
does in all other ailments, when it is present in the system. 
Or, it may wholly give rise to the condition. And also, to- 
bacco, morphine, and alcoholic drinks will effect the same 
result, or a condition of undue degeneracy within the system, 
alone may give rise to it. 

Cases of cancer have been claimed by eminent authority to 
have exhibited in persons who were in extraordinary fine health, 
but I am convinced that if the diognostician had made a thor- 
ough examination of the subject and had understood the pre- 
senting symptoms, he would have found that the devitalized 
material (dead material contained in the body) was far in ex- 
cess of healthy, living structure — that degeneration was making 
far more rapid strides than the repairative processes. 

The characteristics considered as distinctive of the morbid 
condition termed cancer, as differing from suppurating, corrod- 
ing, or ulcerating processes not so named, are so meagre that 
it requires an extreme degree of effort of an expert microscop- 
ist to discover the distinguishing difference of features, as this 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 347 

condition, like any other ulcerating or suppurating process, de- 
pends upon the character of the structure in which it is found 
for its various manifestations of peculiarities. Those features 
described as "rootlets" by some observers are simply capillary 
blood vessels, such as exist naturally throughout the body. 

The rapidity of its destructive progress after its local man- 
ifestation is in proportion to the amount of resistance met in 
the yet remaining repair ative powers. 

A further evidence of a devitalized or degenerated condition 
of the system being necessary for its local manifestation is, that 
it is seen to manifest most frequently in the mammary glands 
of nursing women whose systems have been exhausted from 
gestations and giving off nutrition to the nursing child, aug- 
mented by overwork, and in women who have had the vital 
energies of their bodies destroyed by many miscarriages. 

In all cases of ulcerative, suppurative, corroding processes, 
there is deficiency in the repairative processes — new cells are not 
completed, life-force appears to let go, as it were, and the re- 
pairative substance passes into degeneration instead of living 
repairative structure. This condition continues manifesting in 
those cases which prove fatal, and which may probably be con- 
sidered due to the vital forces having reached the limit of their 
power of endurance and hence can not continue life — this ex- 
haustion of the vital forces being hastened by the causes which 
gave rise to the disease. 

The surface of these tumors is nodulated or irregular, and 
a lumpy feeling is found in the body of the tumor; the skin 
may exhibit a wrinkled appearance, or a distended appearance, 
and there is more or less pain, piercing or penetrating in its 
nature. 

There is in realit}^, but little understood of this freak of dis- 
ease, as well as many other conditions of destructive processes. 



348 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Suppuration caused from wound or injury seems more easily 
understood — we then reason that the repairative forces are 
ejecting the injured or killed materials as an useless guest, 
from the economy, but in this type of morbidness it seems 
to most people not so easily accounted for, and hence it as- 
sociates with the greater fear, as is pretty generally true of 
all things of which we are ignorant. 

In the early manifestations when the lumpy hardness is felt 
in the enlargement, apply the following liniment, twice or three 
times a day: Take spirits of turpentine, one pint; alcohol, two 
ounces ; gum of camphor, two ounces ; essence of peppermint a 
pint; castor oil, two ounces. Mix, and it is ready for use. 
Bathe the affected part in hot water, to half a pint of which is 
added half an ounce of glycerine, giving this bath once or twice a 
day and after each bath apply the liniment. Take the polymnia 
uvedalia mixture directed in the treatment of pneumonia, dur- 
ing the day. This remedy has an especial influence in dispers- 
ing glandular and follicular inflammation and swellings. 

If the tumor has progressed till it exhibits an open face, 
bathe the parts well in hot water, using castile soap for as- 
surance of proper cleansing. Rinse the sore with hot water to 
a half pint of which has been added one-half drachm of tinct- 
ure of benzoin, in that proportion. Dry the surface and apply 
a thick plaster of the soothing salve directed in the treatment 
of carbuncle, over the entire swelled and inflamed part. Place 
new unwashed cotton an inch thick over the salve plaster, and 
confine in place with a bandage sufficiently firm to give com- 
fort. If no uncomfortableness is experienced, let this dressing 
remain for twenty-four hours, when it may be re-dressed as be- 
fore. Take the capsules (see remedies in this book), one at 
seven P. M., and one at ten P. M. every night for two nights, 
then take one every other to every fourth night so long as 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 349 

needed. I have witnessed some very unsightly ulcerating pro- 
cesses heal and get well under this treatment. The preparation 
containing yellow dock named under observations in this arti- 
cle may be taken with good results. 

Resin benzoin, four grains; vaseline, two ounces; camphor 
gum one ounce. Heat the vaseline and crumble the camphor 
gum into it while it is hot, permitting it to dissolve, stir it till 
cooling, and then add the resin benzoin, stirring it well to mix. 
One fourth of an ounce of laudnum may be added with addi- 
tional good effect. 

This salve is especially beneficial to those conditions where 
the parts dispose to continue inflamed, distended, and ner- 
vously painful. 

Take sulphate of zinc, two grains; lard, one ounce and a 
half. Mix well. This is a curative remedy, and in some of 
these cases of unfriendly persecutors, these ulcerating and cor- 
roding processes, it gives the cure so much craved. Bathe the 
part as above directed before applying the salve. 

In the conditions where those growths usually called proud 
flesh manifest, a mild solution of blue vitrol, applied, 
will disperse it; after applying the blue vitrol solution, apply 
a salve plaster. The benzoin mixture above named, serves ex- 
cellently well. 

A mild solution of caustic potash, applied, in the above 
condition, and the salve plaster immediately applied, places the 
condition favorable for healing. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Syphilitic poisoning in these sores, as in all ulcerative pro- 
cesses, and diseases generally, increases the severity of the dis- 
turbances. 



350 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

From observations of ulcerating formations and processes, 
I am fully convinced that these conditions called cancer, have 
nothing more special or specific, either in their essential nature , 
habit, or cause, than any other morbid conditions of the sore 
or suppurating types of distress, and am sure that these con- 
ditions that are draped in such Egyptian hideousness, can, if 
properly treated, be as easily cured as any other pimple, boil, 
or sore. 

In a general practice extending over more than a quarter 
of a century, the writer has treated ulcerating, corroding, and 
discharging processes, from the pimples, boils, carbuncles, felons, 
to not only sores from the top of the head to the soles of the 
feet, but that penetrating the bone, and nothing in all these 
years has been met to convince contrary to above views. 

While a local injury may be the immediate cause of the 
outburst of a sore or suppurating process, impure blood is its 
fountain source and feeder, and to cure in the best possible 
way, with the least suffering and with best results, the blood 
must be purified — cleansed, got rid of its biliousness — its mor- 
bid stock. 

For this purpose the following mixture will cleanse the 
blood, promote nutrition, thus giving the means necessary for 
recovery or reparation to take place: 

Take fluid extract of yellow dock, two ounces ; extract of 
may apple root, one drachm ; glycerine, three ounces ; essence 
of peppermint, one ounce. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three 
times a day for a week, then from twice to once a day to three 
times a week. This, with cleansing and bathing the affected 
parts with hot water and castile soap and applying the salves 
and remedies directed in this work, and an exceedingly few of 
these unpleasant manifestations will remain. The palatableness 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 351 

of 'the above mixture is improved by the addition of an ounce 
of simple syrup and one drachm of tincture of ginger. 

A POULTICE. 

Take equal parts of white pond lily root, arrow wood bark 
and poke root. Mix as a poultice. This has been recommended 
for application to the inflammatory formations affecting the 
mammary glands. There is no doubt but that it is valuable ; 
the virtue of both the poke root and pond lily root especially 
influencing the reduction of glandular swellings and inflamma- 
tions. 

The root of the white pond lily made into a poultice is a 
valuable application to boils and swellings of like nature, has- 
tening a cure. It is to be applied till swelling has subsided, or 
until the pus has evacuated, when the part must be cleansed 
and dressed with some salve or pomade. Pure vaseline serves 
all that is necessary as a further dressing in some cases. My 
experience has been with the fresh root of the pond lily. 

The sanguinaria (white pucoon) has been recommended by 
many for this purpose. I have not used it, but other good 
physicians have used it. 

Remedy. For constitutional treatment of cancer: Take 
elder flowers, poke root, wild indigo, blue flag, mandrake, and 
red clover, of each, one ounce. Pour over these drugs, one and 
a half pints of 75 per cent, alcohol. Let stand for ten days, 
frequently stirring it. It is then ready for use. Six drops, 
three times a day, is the dose and frequency of taking. This 
alone is said to cure cancer. 

The remedies combined in the preparation, are efficient in 
promoting elimination of morbid matters from the economy of 
the body, favoring digestion and assimilation, and doubtless, 
it will do what is said for it. 



352 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Hot sponge baths to the surface of the body in all suppu- 
rative processes, of whatever kind cannot be overrated, and 
especially the bath to the feet, which should be a soaking 
bath. In all conditions of wasting disease, the foods must be 
especially nutritious, without being bulky and distressing. The 
excretions from kidneys and bowels must be kept freely active, 
by keeping the liver awake to do its work. These are the 
prime considerations for promoting a cure, and its value cannot 
safely be lost sight of. By simply keeping the affected parts 
well cleaned with castile soap and hot water and giving the 
capsules, (see remedies in this book), beginning by taking one 
every four hours till free biliary alvine dejections appeared, 
then taking one three times a week, I have cured very repul- 
sive and unsightly old sores. 

CARBUNCLE. 

Carbuncle may manifest in any subcutaneous tissue where 
it is dense, thick, and contains deposits of fat in the intercel- 
lular spaces; these manifest chiefly on the back, on the back 
of the neck, face, abdomen and under the arms. 

When these manifestations appear, the general health is in 
very greatly debilitated condition, and the destructive processes 
have been largely in advance of the repairative and excretive 
functions. Their first appearance is that of a purplish pimple 
arising above the skin; they are sluggish to form a head, and 
sluggish to evacuate or clean out — the first head-like appear- 
ance usually containing a little bloody serum or water. Pro- 
gressing, the bluish color assumes a livid or purplish red color, 
and sometimes gangrenous or mortified appearance exhibits. 
Its destruction of tissue is rapid and extensive. 

Boils have but one pus cavity and but one opening, but the 
carbuncle has several pus cavities, and which are frequently 
continuous, one running into another beneath the surface. The 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 353 

sloughing is more extensive than is apparent to the visible sur- 
face. There is great retrograde tendency of the system, and 
disposition to decline is more prominent than repairative pro- 
cesses. The constitution suffers extensively and intensively in 
-the severe forms of this disease. 

Those persons of sluggish habits supply its victims; and 
those of sedentary habits, those who take but little muscular 
exercise and over eat, those who indulge in intoxicants and 
other degenerating habits exhibiting the severest attacks. There 
is great impairment of the general health, and a general stag- 
nation of the excretory functions. 

The general constitutional betterment is of as great im- 
portance to look after as the local lesion, in fact, I consider it 
of the greatest importance, for if disposition to repair is not 
promoted, and degeneracy checked, death will claim the victim. 

The excretory functions of the body are not well performed, 
and this morbid exhibit, is a manifestation of perversion of ex- 
cretion. 

With this perversion of excretion corrected and good nutri- 
tion obtained, the cure is well begun. For correcting this per- 
version, and favoring good digestion to aid reparation, the 
following mixture serves kindly the purpose : Take fluid ex- 
tract of cascara aromatic, one ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre, 
half an ounce ; glycerine and simple syrup, of each three ounces ; 
tincture of gentian and cinchona cal., of each one drachm; 
tincture of buchu half an ounce ; podophyllin, two grains. Mix 
and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every four hours till free 
biliary alvine dejections have been seen. Then give a dose suffi- 
ciently frequent to promote two or three alvine dejections daily. 

The polymnia uvedalia mixture directed in the treatment 
of pneumonia, may be given as there directed. If there is much 
12- 



354 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

aching or pain, fluid extract of bryonia, twenty drops, added 
to four ounces of water and a teaspoonful of this mixture may 
be given every two hours while there is aching present, and a 
teaspoonful taken about ten in the forenoon and three in the 
afternoon, during its greatest severity, decreases the severity 
and duration. 

To hasten the termination of suppuration, poulticing must 
be had recourse to. For the poultice, I prefer the bread and 
milk poultice. It must be renewed sufficiently frequent to pre- 
vent it drying; and when the change is being made, great ben- 
efit is obtained as well as much relief, by bathing the carbun- 
culous formation well with hot water — not permitting chill air 
upon the sore while wet in the bath. As soon as there is dis- 
position to discharge, apply the following soothing salve : 
Take simple cerate, beeswax, and resin, of each, four ounces; 
place in a porcelain lined vessel, and mix by mild heat ; 
remove it from the fire and while it is hot, crumble into it, 
camphor gum, three ounces. When it has cooled a little, add 
spirits of turpentine, half an ounce ; laudanum, one ounce, and 
oil of peppermint, two drachms. Stir till it is cold. It is then 
ready to apply. 

The simple cerate is composed of equal parts of pure hog's 
lard and white wax, and instead of purchasing the ready sim- 
ple cerate, use three ounces of the lard and five ounces of the 
beeswax. 

Bathe the carbuncle well with hot water, using castile soap 
sufficient; apply this salve one-fourth of an inch thick, and 
renew the application once a day. If the above directed med- 
icines are given, and the above directed local dressings prop- 
erly applied, and nutritious foods supplied, recovery will 
result, and suffering be much shortened and amelioration 
obtained. Rest in the recumbent position must be permitted. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 355 

CARBUNCULAR BOIL OF THE FACE. 

Boils of various proportions occasionally manifest on the 
face, sometimes assuming some largeness, and disposing to get 
well quite slowly, in some cases. If of much proportions, like 
the larger boils on other parts of the body, if permitted to 
continue to suppuration, it exhibits the "core" common to these 
formations. There is nothing peculiarly characteristic about 
them differing from boils on any other part of the body. 

If it has not been permitted to progress to the extent that 
it is evident that it must evacuate by completion of suppurat- 
ing, apply the following liniment four or five times a day: Add 
two ounces of camphor gum, to three gills of spirits of turpen- 
tine, and one gill of alcohol. In many cases this liniment will 
disperse the morbidness, thus preventing the unpleasantness of 
an unsightly scar. To aid in accomplishing this, medicine for 
constitutional rectifying must be taken to produce free visible 
alvine and urinary action. For this purpose, the capsules, or 
some other remedy named in this work which contains podo- 
phyllin, glycerine, cascara and sweet spirits of nitre, are effective. 

If it has progressed till it is evident that it must evacuate 
by suppurating, poultice it and dress it, as directed for other 
carbuncle, and to disperse the aching which usually accom- 
panies it, take the bryonia mixture, directed in the treatment 
of carbuncle, also. 

BOILS. 

Boils are a result of perverted excretion. Their appearance 
is marked by little round tumors of varying size, and are 
sometimes painful. It is sometimes necessary to apply poultices 
to them to hasten suppuration and to relieve pain. For 
this purpose the slippery elm bark meal, linseed meal, or the 



356 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

bread and milk, may be used. The white pond lily root may 
be used. 

Frequent washings, or bathings with hot water and cas- 
tile soap aid in hastening the dispersing of them, and also in 
relieving pain. 

In the verj' early manifesting, the frequent application of 
spirits of turpentine to them will disperse many of them. The 
essence of peppermint applied as above, will disperse them fre- 
quently. The salve directed for the dressing of carbuncle, 
serves for these unwelcome guests. 

To prevent the continuance of their appearance, direct the 
excretions into the proper channels — the kidneys and bowels. 
The mixture directed given for this purpose, in the treatment 
of carbuncle, may be taken. 

Also, when there is a persistence of continuance, the lime 
water taken daily, disperses the disposition in many cases. 
To prepare the lime water, pour a little water over four 
ounces of unslacked lime, let it remain a few minutes and then 
add a gallon of water, bottle and cork for use. Dose for an 
adult, a teaspoonful in a little milk, morning and night. Also, 
chlorate of potassa, a teaspoonful, added to a glass of water, 
a teaspoonful of the mixture taken three times a day, has 
stopped their appearance. This may be given in all cases of 
boils, carbuncle, felon, and suppurating conditions. 

If the skin is kept clean, and the kidneys and bowels freely 
active, manifestations of boils, carbuncles, or smallpox will be 
of exceeding rare occurance. 

Arctium Lappa, or burdock. This is an old time remedy 
and very good. Following the taking of its eruptions, boils, 
and sores disappear. Dose, 10 to 20 drops, three times a day, 
in a little water. The root may be sliced and placed in water, 
and supped three or four times a day. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 357 

Burdock seed tea, or water from the sliced root, cleanses 
the system from these morbid matters, preventing their ap- 
pearance, and dispersing them when present, A large sup of 
the tea or water from the root, taken three or four times a day, 
is the usual way of taking it. 

FELONS. 

A felon is a deep seated inflammation of the fibrous tissues 
covering the bone of the fingers. It is generally supposed to 
arise from a bruise or injury, though cases are reported where 
no such cause seemed apparent. The parts become tender and 
swelled, and in two or three days usually become so painful 
that the hand can not be used, and the pain frequently be- 
comes depressingly intense. Suppuration occurs about the 
eighth or tenth day, but from the denseness of the tissues con- 
siderable time is required for the pus to reach the surface. 

If the case is improperly treated, and occasionally under 
any treatment, the bones become so affected as to come away 
in small pieces with the pus. The finger or thumb presents an 
undesirable appearance when such results. 

In its very early appearance, my husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb, 
effected a most speedy arrest of them by cutting the finger 
across the place of attack. It would then heal almost like any 
other cut, and the long duration of pain, and the disfiguration 
of the finger was thus avoided. 

Many have recommended the application of a poultice of 
the common yellow clay, moistened with vinegar to the con- 
sistence of a poultice. The finger is to be encased in a poultice 
of the clay, about half an inch thick, and confined closely to 
the finger with a strong bandage or cloth and let remain for 
several days. It is reported to effect a cure in three or four 
days, and with but very little pain. The clay poultice is not 
to be removed till pain and soreness disappear. The clay is 



358 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

easily obtained, and is certainly inexpensive enough to be tried, 
and especially as such good results are promised. 

A salve made of soap moistened with turpentine and ap- 
plied to the manifesting felon, is said to be a certain and pain- 
less cure. 

Another remedy. Wind a cloth around the finger leaving 
the end loosely open. Pour into the open end of the cloth, 
sufficient common gunpowder to cover the affected part of the 
finger ; close the end of the cloth and keep the whole constantly 
wet with spirits of camphor. This is said to remove all pain 
in two hours, and to effect a cure in every case and without 
pain or injury to the hand. 

Another remedy. A remedy that is said to stop the develop- 
ment of a felon, if applied as soon as the throbbing is felt, 
which reveals its presence, is to apply a fly blister the size of 
the thumb nail, over the point of its threatened appearance, and 
let it remain six hours, when a blister appears; under this 
blister it is said that the felon can be seen and may be picked 
out. This would be far better than suffering the tortures of 
running the suppurative course, which entails days and weeks 
of suffering. 

It is said that to keep a felon wrapped in cotton and con- 
stantly saturated with olive oil, will dispel it, and with but 
very little pain if treatment is begun early. 

Wool soaked in lard and applied to boils, carbuncles, and 
felons, is said to hasten suppuration, but it causes some pain. 

If progression has gone so far that it is ending or about to 
end in suppuration, nothing can be done but to poultice and 
hasten to accomplish this. When the discharge begins, any 
of the salves named in this book, which contain beeswax, tur- 
pentine and camphor gum, will be found a proper dressing 
to hasten the cleansing and healing. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 359 

The cases that have come under my care, were too far de- 
veloped to admit of different treatment than poulticing to has- 
ten suppurating and healing applications to promote repair or 
cure. 

I am convinced from various observations in treating many 
hurtings of the fingers, that at the first symptom manifesting, 
if the finger or thumb, which ever is affected, is soaked well in 
hot water two to three times a day, and the capsules (see 
remedies in this book), or the powder without being put in the 
capsules, are taken one every four hours till free biliary alvine 
action is seen, then one taken every other to every fourth night 
just before going to bed, that the felon can be aborted with- 
out suppuration. Bryonia, twenty drops, to water, four ounces. 
A teaspoonful of the mixture taken every three hours during 
the day, I have found to lessen the pain in cases of carbuncle, 
and felon, and I am satisfied that it also lessened the severity 
and duration, if not aiding greatly in promoting the cure. 

ULCERS. 

Ulcers are discharging, suppurating or corroding surfaces, 
and a variety of symptoms may manifest. Many of the mild 
forms get well by keeping the surface cleansed, and many 
others a little more severe heal by applying a little salve, in 
addition to the cleanliness. When these sores or ulcers progress 
healthily to recovery, the tissue destroyed by the suppuration 
is replaced by granulations and are soon covered by new skin. 

Other ulcers presenting on weaker parts of the body, or 
parts not well protected from injurious influences, as on the 
lower limbs or the arms, usually do not recover so readily. 
They sometimes become more extensive, and their recovery is 
hindered from pressure or weight of the upper part of the 
body. It is frequently necessary to apply a bandage over the 
limb, if the lower limb is the seat of the ulcer or sore. 



360 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The condition of the general health, the habits <of the 
patient, and atmospheric conditions, the condition of the mind, 
as well as the well nourished or badly nourished conditions of 
the body, influence the recovery or the continuance of these 
morbid conditions. These also influence in the recovery of any 
suppurating process. 

When these are not favorable, granulation will fill up the hol- 
low of the ulcer, and it will suddenly absorb or reslough away, 
frequently leaving a more extensive ulcer or sore than before. 
Under the unfavorable conditions above described, this dispo- 
sition may manifest repeatedly, again and again extending 
beyond the surface level, refusing to cover with skin, and will 
irritate, and revert back to the unrepairing or unhealing 
sore. 

The excretions must be established, and the body nourished 
in all cases. Washing the part, using hot water and castile 
soap, disperses this disposition in some cases. Some cases 
must be treated as directed in treatment for proud flesh, (which 
see). Other cases may be cleansed, and the ointment or salve 
directed to be used in this book in treatiug carbuncle, may be 
applied. 

The Arctium Lappa, or burdock, directed in the treatment 
of boils, may be given in these cases with good results. 

The capsules, or the mixture containing podophyllin 
directed in the treatment of carbuncle, may be taken, as there 
directed, for cleansing the system and promoting nutrition, or 
repair. If this is not done local treatment alone in severe cases 
proves ineffectual. This constitutional treatment is of prime 
importance and must not be neglected. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 361 

SORES AND DISTURBANCES OF THE NASAL CAVITIES. 

There are not many manifestations of sores of any kind 
found in the nose or nasal cavities that will not get well by 
applying one or the other of the following mixtures morning 
and evening: 

Take vaseline, half an ounce ; glycerine, half an ounce ; cas- 
tor oil, half an ounce. Mix, and add an even teaspoonful of 
golden seal in fine powder, and one grain of sulphate of zinc. 
Mix all together well and it is ready for use. 

In severer cases add the following to the above mixture: 
Bayberry bark and bloodroot, of each in powder, half of an 
even teaspoonful and thoroughly mix with the above. Apply- 
ing this at night is usually sufficient. 

PROUD FLESH. 

That condition which sometimes appears when a sore is in 
process of healing, in which granulations project beyond the 
level of the surrounding parts, and which forms a red excres- 
cence which is easily irritated and made to bleed, is called proud 
flesh. This disposition manifests in sores called cancer, as well 
as in many that are not so called. From observation I have 
concluded that the condition is due to the repairative feeble- 
ness, or a feebleness of the condition of the general health, thus 
not enabling the repairative process to perform a perfect re- 
storative work. 

The condition occasionally proves quite obstinate to dis- 
perse, and quite persistent to return, and sometimes when 
seemingly well dispersed, instead of staying left its appearance 
becomes visible again. 

A mild solution of blue vitriol, applied to the affected part, 
will disperse it in nearly every case, and a well nourished body 
will keep it dispersed. When sores, ulcerating processes present, 



362 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

there is deficient and perverted excretion, and deficient nutri- 
tion, and on account of the ill-nourished condition of the body, 
repairative processes refuse to go on, or are very slowly per- 
formed. After the application of the above, dress with the 
ointment or salve, directed for treatment of cancer. Castor oil 
applied after the above solution, is frequently all that is needed 
to continue healing. 

GANGRENE. 

In cases of apparent gangrene from exposure to cold, to 
make cold applications especially immediately after its manifes- 
tation is injurious, is harmful; apply hot water instead. Then 
bathe the parts frequently with camphorated wine. The following 
is also a good application to these afflictions : Hot water and 
a little spirits of camphor added, using the water as hot as 
can be well borne. Spirits of turpentine, applied alone if the 
part does not dispose to easily blister, or if blistering is easily 
effected, add a little castor oil. These applications are efficient, 
in most of these cases. For gangrene in a sloughing or sup- 
purating condition, cleanse the part with glycerine, and rinse 
with water, to a pint of which has been added two drachms 
of tincture of benzoin. Then apply a plaster of the salve di- 
rected in the treatment of carbuncle. Or, the following : Take 
lard or vaseline, two ounces ; camphor gum, one-fourth of an 
ounce; (dissolve the camphor gum by heat in the lard) and 
tincture of capsicum, half a drachm ; tincture of benzoin, one 
fourth of an ounce. Mix, and apply. 

RING- WORM. 

Ring-worm manifests on persons who are badly nourished 
and in some cases when appearing on the face, it is due to 
using too much soap on the skin, thus keeping it robbed of its 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 363 

nutrient, also, to too much remaining indoors, and too little 
bodily exercise, and to exposure to cold causing congestion. 

The patient must be nourished with nutritious foods, out 
door exercise taken, and the excretions by kidneys and bowels 
promoted. Add tincture of benzoin twenty drops, to half a 
glass of water, and rinse the face with it three or four times a 
day. This, in addition to the above care of the health, it is 
very seldom that anything else is necessary. Occasionally some 
complication may exist ; in such case, in addition to the above 
care, lightly touch the part with a little iodine. 

RING-WORM.-OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS. 
A mild solution of blue vitriol, applied to the affected 
parts, is said to disperse it. I have not used the remedy for 
this purpose. 

J. F. Reilly, in the British Med. Jour., recommends common 
salt for the cure of ring-worm, his attention having been at- 
tracted to it by observing children so affected who were sent 
to the seaside, rapidy improve. A strong solution of the salt 
applied at night, and washed off in the morning with a solu- 
tion of borax. A cure being affected in less than four weeks. 
(Canadian Practitioner.) 

Raw Irish potato, rubbed over ring-worm two or three 
times a day, has cured it in a very few days. 

SCALD HEAD. 

There are two manifestations of this affection, one which 
manifests in minute pustules around the roots of the hair, the 
pustules usually increasing in size and number, till large sur- 
faces are covered. This variety continuing to progress, man- 
ifests a very offensive odor as suppuration increases. 

The other variety remains dry, though scaly scabs appear. 
The first manifestation yields readily to the following treat- 



364 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ment: Wash and cleanse well, the affected parts, with soap 
and water; (if the old fashioned leach lye soap can be ob- 
tained, the better). Dry the hair, and then apply the follow- 
ing: Take pure hog's lard, two tablespoonfuls ; sulphate of 
zinc, two grains. Thoroughly mix, and apply to the sores, or 
parts. The fourth or fifth day, cleanse the scalp again, as 
above and make a second application. Rarely a third appli- 
cation is needed. This effects a cure without the loss of the 
hair, the hair not needing to be cut nor destroyed. The ap- 
plication may cause a little smarting, but a little pure lard 
applied, will disperse the smarting ; and for the saving of an 
elegant suit of hair, a little smarting can be endured. The 
above information was given to me by my husband, Dr. Jos- 
eph Cobb. 

In the second variety it is frequently necessary to poultice 
the parts with a poultice of linseed meal, before applying the 
ointment directed for application to the other exhibition. A 
capsule, or powder (see remedies in this book), taken as 
directed in remedies, should be taken. 

SALT RHEUM, OR ECZEMA. 

In this disease the minute blood vessels are congested, caus- 
ing the skin to be more vascular and sensitive to injurious in- 
fluences, and it remains redder than in the healthy state. There 
is frequently an itching and smarting sensation of the affected 
parts and the skin occasionally becomes raised in the form of 
little pimples and a watery substance exudes. 

It usually attacks the hands and feet, and while some oc- 
cupations favor its development, they do not wholly cause its 
presence. Use corn meal or oat meal instead of soap, to cleanse 
the hands or parts on which it may appear. Rinse the parts 
with hot water, to half a teacupful of which has been added 
twenty drops of tincture of benzoin. I have cured many cases 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 365 

of long standing with this treatment. Lloyd's Asepsin Soap 
may be used freely in washing the affected parts, following a 
soaking bath in hot water. This soap is valuable in many skin 
sins. 

Some of the skin pimples may be cured by gently touching 
them once a day with the following, every day for not more 
than two or three days : Rub one grain of corrosive sublimate 
into one ounce of glycerine. The glycerine prevents to a degree 
the absorption of the corrosive sublimate into the system, yet 
leaves it to act on the surface. Corrosive sublimate is poison. 

MILK CRUST. 

One of the ugly skin sins, usually called by the above name 
and "milk scale" and "milk scab", appears over the head and 
face of some children. It appears in pustular eruptions over 
the scalp, about the ears and parts about the head and fre- 
quently on the hands. The little pustules discharge a yellowish 
sticky fluid which dries, forming a continuous scab, matting 
the hair together. It is accompanied with itching and burning. 

The bowels are usually constipated, but the child does not 
appear to be much otherwise deranged in health, frequently, 
till the annoyance has continued for some time, when glandu- 
lar and follicular enlargements manifest. 

Its especial peculiarity or cause is not well understood. It 
has been attributed to filth (which attribution covers up so 
much ignorance) but it is certainly the filth inside the body in 
this case, as well as in many other diseased conditions, as the 
exudation comes from within. 

I have succeeded in curing some cases by giving the podo- 
phyllin powder sufficiently frequent to keep free alvine action, 
and having the parts kept cleansed and applying the following 
twice a week : Take sulphate of zinc, one grain ; lard, one ounce. 
Mix and it is ready for use. After washing the parts, rinse 



366 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

with -water to which a little benzoin is added, then apply the 
above preparation. 

If there has manifested glandular enlargement, give the 
polymnia uvedalia mixture directed in treatment of pneumonia. 

BED-SORES. 

Bed-sores manifest on parts of the body exposed to long 
continued pressure, to filthy nursing, or a combination of both 
They may manifest during the progress of any disease necessi- 
tating long confinement to the bed, or rest in one position. 
Sores appearing due to pressure alone, the power of resistance 
is low, and the circulation enfeebled, and obstruction to circu- 
lation results from the pressure; and in consequence the part 
becomes virtually dead. Inflammation and ulceration soon fol- 
low. 

There are premonitory symptoms to this condition, the pa- 
tient usually complains that the bed is hard, or of some rough- 
ness or unevenness of the bed or bed dressings under 
them, and of a numbing sensation in the part at the site of 
pressure ; or if filth is associated with the cause, of a stinging, 
smarting sensation in the part. 

The part for sometime after the above manifestation may 
not exhibit any appreciable difference or change in appearance. 
Discoloration from the red to the dark livid red, and then some- 
times a further change to almost black, generally appears. 

The significance of their appearance, from whatever cause, 
is unfavorable, though cases sometimes appear in which the 
patient recovers, and the sores heal. The healing of the sores 
depends on the returning health of the patient. While the pa- 
tient is making no progress to recovery, or return to health, 
reparation, or health in the sores cannot be effected. 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 367 

In cases that in the nature of the existing sickness it is evi- 
dent the patient must remain on the bed a long time before 
recovery can be expected, attention should be directed to ad- 
justing the bed furnishings to prevent, if possible, bed sores from 
developing. And daily watching necessary to detect the con- 
dition of the patient. 

The parts may be mildly rubbed, and tincture of arnica ap- 
plied, or a little bay rum and olive oil, is also valuable. Tinc- 
ture of benzoin, one part, and water three parts, makes a good 
application for removing soreness from the parts. Whisky ap- 
plied to the parts, is said to aid in preventing their appearance. 

It is said that lanolin freely rubbed into the skin on parts 
exposed to danger of bed-sores, soon as redness or tenderness 
appears, prevents further development. 

BURNS AND SCALDS. 

There is no remedy known that equals vaseline as a dress- 
ing for the cure of burns. It may be applied to blisters, or 
where the skin is burned off, and gives quick relief. It should 
be applied at least half an inch thick at the first dressing, 
and covered with new unwashed cotton at least one inch thick. 

Next in value to the above is soda — the common baking 
soda. Moisten the soda with cold water sufficient to make a 
plaster, and apply the soda next to the burn. It must be kept 
moist with cold water until the pain subsides, after which 
dress with vaseline, if the burn is sufficiently severe to re- 
quire it. 

Another remedy. Beat the yelk of an egg and apply, keep- 
ing it in place by means of a cloth. This is said to give im- 
mediate relief. 



368 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

BURNS FROM GUNPOWDER. 

Cleanse off the gunpowder with equal parts of glycerine 
and hot water, dry the surface with a soft towel, and then 
apply vaseline half an inch thick and cover with fine new un- 
washed cotton one inch thick. This dressing may be renewed 
every day, after cleansing the part as above directed. 

Prof. Gunn's Remedy for Burns from Gunpowder : A poul- 
tice of common malasses and wheat flour applied over the 
burnt surface. He stated that it is the best thing that can be 
used, drawing the gunpowder to the surface and keeping the 
parts so soft that formation of a scar does not occur. And, 
that in cases w T here the skin and muscles had been completely 
filled with the burnt powder, the parts healed perfectly, and 
without leaving the slightest marks to indicate the position or 
nature of the injury. Cleanse the parts once a day, with hot 
water and castile soap, and apply a new plaster. 

SORES OF VARIOUS TYPES. 

The term, sores, is applied by many to any form of man- 
ifestation of the nature of sores, as ulcers, boils, or any sup- 
purative process forming injury. This use of the term sore is 
quite proper. 

An ulcer is an open faced sore on some part of the body, 
and may be smaller or larger, and frequently shows but little 
disposition to heal without assistance. They may result from 
scrofula, from varicose veins, from the use of mercu^, from 
simple engorgement of the system from retained effete materials 
that should have been excreted from the body by the kidneys 
and bowels, or from injury. 

They may manifest an irritable and painful accompan- 
iment ; or, a corroding, or eating, which is manifested by a 
tendency to enlarge over the surface and in depth ; and others 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 369 

that are termed indolent ulcers — those which present a hard- 
ness, and are very slow to suppurate or get well or worse. 

In whatever form they may present, cleanliness must be 
obtained. Castile soap and hot water forms a cleansing 
medium adapted to all, and is both tonic and antiseptic. 

When ulcers or sores of any variety manifest on the body, 
there is undue degeneracy, and deficient elimination of effete 
or morbid materials, and deficient excretion, also deficient 
nutrition. To be able to effect a cure, excretion must be kept 
free, and the body must be nourished ; without this, a cure 
cannot be effected — the repairative processes cannot go on. 
For removing the morbid matters from the economy of the 
body, and promoting repairative processes, increasing the ap- 
petite and favoring nutrition, see elsewhere in this book in 
treatments of various sores. 

See ointments and salves elsewhere in this book. 

SORES OF VARIOUS TYPES. 

In conditions where sores, boils, or any formative processes 
with indicating disposition to form pus and suppurate, when 
the condition is beginning to manifest and the enlargement is 
yet hard many of these formations may be prevented from com- 
ing to an open sore by taking the medicine elsewhere directed 
to promote excretion, and either of the following: Take Phy- 
tolacca, five drops, and water four ounces. Mix and give a tea- 
spoonful every two hours during the day. 

Also, take polymnia uvedalia, one drachm; glycerine and 
olive oil, of each two ounces; water, four ounces. Mix and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture three times a day. 

Bryonia, ten drops; water, four ounces. Mix and give a 
teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours during the day. 
This has also been of much assistance in dispersing the forma- 
tions. 



370 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

DRESSING FOR BED SORES. 
An excellent dressing for bed sores, sores on persons who 
are emaciated, persons whose vital energies are very much en- 
feebled, those of advanced age where from the natural decline 
of the vital powers the repairative processes are slow, the fol- 
lowing acts kindly: Take of bees-wax and lard, of each two 
ounces ; resin benzoin, two grains. Mix, and after bathing the 
parts with hot water apply the salve. In a few days a marked 
improvement will be visible, the torpidity of the sores and the 
hardness will disappear, the pus will discharge where there has 
disposed to such formation, a healthy appearance will manifest 
and healing will progress. 

In the squalid abodes of cities, crowded with starving hu- 
manity, nearly naked, and as good as unhoused, and without 
means of cleanliness, almost every manifestation of disease pre- 
sents. Among this class manifests a form of skin affection ex- 
hibiting a papulous form with dark discolorations. For these 
cases the following serves a curative purpose and is inexpensive : 
Take sulphur and salt, of each two tablespoonfuls, and add 
this to a gallon of water. After the parts have been cleansed 
with water and soap rinse the parts with the above mixture. 

For cure of injuries, bruises upon the eyes, saturate a piece 
of cotton, or folded cloth of three or four thicknesses, with 
tincture of arnica, spirits of camphor, hamamelis, calendula or 
a mild tea of capsicum, and place on the affected part. Moist 
over the affected part with castor oil, then apply the above. 

Lupulin ointment: Take lupulin, one ounce; lard, eight 
ounces and mix together. This is said to be an excellent prepa- 
ration for application to painful and malignant old sores, and 
many other cutaneous ulcers presenting painfullness. 

Ointment to remove nodulated formations, or fungus 
growths, and gangrenous manifestations: Take hog's lard, 



SORES AND WOUNDS. 371 

two ounces ; sulphate of zinc, one grain. Mix, and apply a 
small portion to the affected parts, after having cleansed them 
with hot water and castile soap. 

Where there are eruptions on the body, any part, that ex- 
hibits a tendency to continue forming pus under a crust-like 
scab, wash the parts well, using hot water and castile soap, 
dry, and apply the following: Thoroughly mix three drachms 
of tincture of benzoin, with an ounce of vaseline, and apply 
freely to the parts. 

Sugar is said to constitute a most valuable dressing for 
ulcers and wounds, causing cicatrization, or healing to take 
place rapidly. It is directed not to renew the dressing oftener 
than once in two or three days. 

Oiled silk is considered the best covering for dressing 
wounds. A clean cotton cloth answers quite well in many 
cases. 

PARASITES. 

Parasites are occasionally found upon the head or some 
other parts of the body. With some few individuals they seem 
to be welcome companions, but with the cleanly class they are 
exceedingly repulsive. Though their nativity is among the care- 
less, by accident any one may be so unfortunate as to get one 
of them, as they scatter in school rooms, street cars, hotels, 
and even get so pious as to go to church ; they attend lectures, 
concerts, theatricals and many places of prominence, and are 
one of the contagions that deserve quarantine. 

Cleansing is the prevention and is much easier than dis- 
persing them. There are two varieties of them, one of which 
remains upon the head and one confines to other parts of the 
body. 



372 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

To remove these parasites from the head, moisten the hair 
with coal oil, then, with a very fine comb, every vestige of 
both louse and nit can be dispersed from the scalp and hair. 
Or small portions of blue ointment placed through the hair near 
the scalp will kill them. 

The blue ointment applied to other parts of the body where 
parasites have appeared, will also destroy them. A portion 
should be placed in the seams of the clothing. This is poison. 

Oil of sassafras applied is said to destroy all varieties of 
these parasites. Care must be had to not place it in contact 
with sensitive skin or a sore. It causes a sense of burning, but 
which may be allayed by a little olive oil, castor oil or lard. 

Plentiful grease or lard applied to the head and hair, is 
said to disperse them from the head. 

SEVEN YEAR ITCH, OR PRAIRIE ITCH. 

The disease is too well known to require description. The 
following treatment is a certain cure, and can be provided and 
applied by any one: Take sulphur, six ounces; lard, twelve 
ounces; soda, six drachms. Mix thoroughly. Apply sufficient 
quantity over the skin, at night, and sleep in a loose gown ; 
the next morning, -with a dry towel remove the surplus oint- 
ment that may be remaining on the body, and dress. Before 
retiring at night wash the body with strong soap-suds. It 
may be necessary to repeat the treatment once or twice, 
though it is rarely necessary to do so. The old fashioned 
leach lye soap serves best for washing. 



PART FOURTH. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 



WHAT WOMEN AND MEN SHOULD KNOW. 

Men and women entering upon life's active stage know 
less of the care and needs of their physical bodies than any 
other essential subject. There is nothing people so love as 
life, hence the women and men should understand the care, 
structure and function of their bodily economy, and the cure 
and prevention of disease. Especially should woman be well 
supplied with this knowledge as from her position in life she 
is the doctor of the human family. 

None of these subjects are beyond the comprehension of 
any person of ordinary intelligence, and are perfectly proper 
for the most refined woman or man to thoroughly understand, 
notwithstanding the public has so long been instructed to 
believe the contrary. I do not wish to be understood as 
believing that every man can be his own doctor, but I do 
claim that every woman who has a family is and must be 
doctor to her own family. 

WOMAN.-HER MISSION.-HER SPHERE. 

Woman's mission in the world is very similar to man's — 
life, liberty, and her sphere the pursuit of happiness. Any 
business position, occupation, calling, profession, or place in 



374 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

which woman can best attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness is rightfully her privilege to enter and pursue. 

To insure her protection in this, it is not only her natural 
right but her personal duty to have a voice in the making of 
and administration of every law by which she must be gov- 
erned. And taxation without representation is no more right- 
ful for woman to submit to than man. Woman in the busi- 
ness arena of man's monopoly acquits herself far better than 
man can or does do in the business arena that has been rele- 
gated to woman. 

Notwithstanding that woman has been cramped in oppor- 
tunities for enlightenment and development, has been relegated 
to the menial drudgeries of life, unhonored and unremunerated, 
man owes all his best goodness to woman. Man fills the pul- 
pit, woman is the minister of the gospel. It is not man's 
pulpit-sermons that turns the erring into the paths of purity, 
it is the sermons of woman in less conspicuous places. In all 
history the grandest achievements have been reached by woman. 
Man may attain acute perception, but woman possesses it; he 
may attain patience and fortitude, but woman is the embodi- 
ment of it ; he may assume constancy, piety and devotion, but 
it is woman's very being. Columbus discovered America, but 
a woman equipped him for it; Howe made a sewing machine, 
but the hand of a woman guiding the needle through and 
through the cloth, gave him the plans for it. It is not only 
all the good that man attains in this world that he owes to 
woman, but the salvation of his soul in the better world; it 
was woman that, prepared the "Lamb that was slain for the 
sins of the whole world" in the birth of Christ. Boasting Pe- 
ter and the other disciples forsook their Lord, but woman stood 
by the expiring Jesus ; woman embalmed his body ; she was 
first at the tomb and first to discover that He had triumphed 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 375 

over death and the grave. To a woman only was the Divinity 
of Christ really and in fact known. Christ revealed himself to 
a woman first after the resurrection, and sent a woman to 
preach the first resurrection sermon — to give out the first glad 
tidings. If this Christ-story is true, it gives food for thought. 
Man has been applauded for his victorious blood-shed, for the 
martialing of thousands of his fellow-beings in battle array, 
has had millions of money entombed in marble and stone to 
his memory for the perpetuance thereof, but the glory that be- 
longs to woman scorns such vicious pageantry and so out- 
shines it as to banish it into obscurity. 

Woman having the courage and ability to conduct busi- 
ness on her own responsibility, thus providing for herself the 
honest and independent comforts of life, is worthy of the high- 
est respectful admiration. Possessing - this ability does not 
make her rough and unpleasantly masculine as some assert, 
but decidedly the contrary, as is manifest to every observer. 
These women are more gracious, artistic, and delicate in tastes, 
and more liberal in philanthropic sympathies than the women 
confined to the narrow sphere of the average wife and mother. 

Woman has as much natural aptitude for business as man ; 
she is not more easily discouraged than man ; given an equal 
chance for development, she is man's equal as seer, prophet, 
or keen reasoner; sagacity is no more a natural endowment 
to men than to women; and women's intuitive judgment is 
frequently superior to men's reasoning. How there can be, 
by nature, such difference in the intellectual capabilities, or 
capacity of the sexes of the human family, as the world has 
been educated to believe, is beyond the comprehension of even 
ordinary common sense. If there is a superiority in the natural 
endowments of one over the other, it must be admittedly in 



376 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

favor of woman, and which no careful and unprejudiced ob- 
server can deny. 

The biased manner in which woman has been placed before 
the world, by man primarily and chiefly, bespeaks a deplor- 
able selfishness. 

That men do not like to meet women as compeers in life 
is not to be wondered at, when we take into consideration the 
number of centuries she so submissively allowed herself ''held 
to labor" as the black slave of the slave trade times. 

Woman's hesitancy to enter into business on her own re- 
sponsibility, is not by any means, wholly resultant from in- 
ability, unwillingness, or lack of confidence in her capabilities 
to work ; her hesitancy comes from her having to keep con- 
stantly on the defensive. It is hoped, however, that the acme 
of the struggle of man for supremacy over woman is past, that 
in his past treatment of woman he did as well as he knew, 
and that life in the future instead of being a battle of the 
sexes as it has been, will be one of mutual happiness and 
mutual betterment. 

WILL THE NEW WOMAN MARRY? 

This subject is much agitated, and an exhaustive enquiry is 
being stimulated. Every effort is being made to expose every 
feature of the business woman's life, both private and public, 
her likes and dislikes, to the cathode rays of public enquiry, and 
are being subjected to the keenest scrutiny. 

Marriage was for many generations the only occupation 
open to woman, and in addition, did she not marry she must 
bear the obloquy of being an "old maid" which to be, no sin 
was greater. But other avenues of occupation have been forced 
open for the admission of woman, and marriage has lost in ex- 
actly the same ratio ; to be more explicit, women who were 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 377 

compelled to marry because they were barred from having any- 
thing else to do, are entering the more congenial fields of labor. 

The new woman, being now permitted to enter the com- 
mercial fields, thus being able to make and provide a home for 
herself, will not hasten into marriage as have her untutored 
sisters. Her temporal and intellectual comforts being provided 
for, when she does marry, it will be when she has reasonable 
evidence that her comforts and happiness is not so materially 
diminished as her sisters' have been. The result -will be better 
for the human family. The comfortable, respected, loved wife, 
hence contented and happy, the happy home, fewer children, 
better raised, the result will be better citizens of this beautiful 
world. 

The new woman calls for a new man. The new man will 
manifest the manners of a well-bred gentleman in the home in 
the presence of his family, and his walk will be as stately and 
with as much elasticity about his home — as in some other 
body's parlor. Coarseness, grossness, vulgarity and untidiness, 
will not denote him in the home circle. If there is any place on 
earth where there should be gentility, kind and lovable dispo- 
sition and sweetness of facial expression, it is certainly in the 
home. 

The new woman, having recognized a higher sphere of in- 
telligence in which she can properly and profitably range, 
having learned to regard things and conditions in their true 
light, in short, having learned life and its necessities, business 
and its possibilities, has ceased to be satisfied with being an 
enchanting toy with which to throw away an idle hour, or 
being chamber-maid and kitchen-girl — matters of convenience 
and menial servants with no more recognition than a cheaply 
obtained machine which is praised for its utility, and no more 
financial reward than the few crumbs she may find time to eat. 



378 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Woman is and must be the mother of the world; she is 
really the fountain source from which that which starts forth 
must come, and in the play of life all else are simply side helps 
in making up the sum of the completed whole — life, or the 
completed product. Hence, the new woman has been awak- 
ened to realize that she owes to the world the best product 
that can be given, and that to be able to supply the best, she 
must know much of life's needs, must know much of business 
and its possibilities — that she must know something of the 
proprieties from an unbiased point of view — from that stand- 
point which gives just recognition to her intelligence as well 
as her humility in serving, and that all of this requires the 
highest degree of intellectual development and truly refined 
education. 

To obtain this costs a price — the price is earnest, honest, 
laborious and persistent effort ; its possession is of unmeasured 
worth, but they who will pay the price may obtain it. 

The man and woman will then be companions — will with 
each other work hand in hand to make life and home for each 
the best they can, and their loved children will swell the 
throng that worships the Deity with praise and song. 

The new woman, however, will read the Bible and place 
her own interpretation upon it which she has as much right 
to do as any male minister or commentator has. When she 
reads that book she will be surprised to find the truths there 
so different to that which she has received from the interpreta- 
tion put upon them by males. 

The new woman will know more of her duty to God, to 
herself, and to the human race. Hence, the new woman will 
create a demand for a new man— for a man who is willing to 
treat his wife as well as himself— a man who will permit his 
wife an allowance of the income without her having to beg, or 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 379 

having to steal from his pockets while he sleeps, or thieve by 
means of a magnified grocery bill, thus laying the foundation 
character of a thief, burglar, robber, in the new-being — a man 
who will not compel his wife to bear children so rapidly and 
continue bearing them so long that her body is kept in such 
torture from over-exhaustion from giving off life to new beings 
and the sufferings to her body from the over-taxing labor nec- 
essary in caring for them in their many years of helplessness, 
that for relief from further increase of torture, her sufferings 
and over-taxings drive her to thoughts of depriving the matur- 
ation of more new beings — and thus by revolving and studying 
over such, lays the foundation character of the future murderer. 
When the new woman is fully evolved the marriage institu- 
tion will be changed from one of prostitution to one of virtue, 
it will cease to be the slavery of woman ; the married woman 
will possess herself body and soul, in short, she will not be 
forced to live the criminal life that her sisters of the past have, 
who have received as true the false interpretations put by 
man upon the book claimed as guide book, the Bible, to justify 
himself in his own vicious and sinful inclinations, and who has 
forced woman to live according to his interpretations. The 
day is past for woman's prayers to reach no higher than man's 
head. The flood-gate is open and woman's prayers reach the 
Throne of Grace — the God upon the Throne. She now no longer 
need plead Tell-like at the feet of Geslers. 

MARRIAGE. 
The institution of marriage dates from the creation of male 
and female — from the creation of the human familv — God, the 
creator, officiating in the ceremony, and the subjects but one 
man and one woman. 

Without marriage there can be no family, no country, no 
home, no posterity, no society. However, the married state 



380 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

should not be entered into unadvisedly, as to marry is to as- 
sume heavy and important responsibilities. It is not a panacea 
for mental feebleness, shiftlessness and moral turpitude. Mar- 
riage is entered into by many for the sole purpose of having a 
place where the party who enters it can do as he or she pleases, 
no matter how disagreeable it may be to others concerned, 
and at the least possible paying for value received, there being 
nowhere else in all the world besides where so much dare be 
asked and so little given in return. 

There is no position in which a woman may be placed that 
she is so utterly helpless and dependent as in the position of 
wife and mother. The environments of household cares and 
the bodily helpless condition of motherhood prohibits her from 
entering or engaging in commercial pursuits to provide for her- 
self the necessary temporal comforts or the gathering together 
the materials for building a home or the preparation for the 
necessary comforts for the time when her body, from the ex- 
haustion resulting from motherhood, and the household work, 
she shall be unable to take up the taxings of labor necessary 
for such production; hence her condition in the position of 
•wife depriving her of her own resources, she must resign to be 
hopeful — hopeful that the man she has accepted as husband 
will industriously work to support the home he has created. 

Inasmuch as man and woman are natural companions, 
if the two do their utmost to make the married state as 
happy as possible, in which state they have interest in com- 
mon, the highest degree of happiness should be attained. To 
insure a degree of happiness and harmony, there must be con- 
genial ages, tastes, temperaments, and compatibility — a lack 
of harmony and sympathy, and mutual confidence will very 
likely end disastrously. A man has every reason to trust his 
wife, and he should so conduct himself as not to create dis- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 381 

trust in her mind. (Once created it is rarely banished, how- 
ever much she might wish such to be the case.) A woman is 
as jealous as she is confiding, and to escape the suspicions of 
his ever watchful wife, the husband cannot be careless of his 
moral standing. Let a man arouse the jealousy and mistrust 
of his wife, and he will certainly be rewarded. However, his 
wife, if he conduct himself as he ought, will stand by him to 
the end. 

Woman has not the opportunity to learn the true charac- 
ter of man before she marries him that man has to learn of 
woman, hence the woman is the more frequently deceived, and 
having been taught that she must be "subject to her husband 
and that he should rule over her," and that a divorce is an 
irreparable disgrace, many have silently endured tortures in- 
numerable till relieved by death. 

Man claims to be the representative of woman, but he has 
pretty generally proved that he is representative of her only 
in so far as it conserves his own personal interests, as the 
black slave-holder represented the slave — seeking every turn to 
more firmly bind her to menial servitude and make her more 
defenseless, asserting himself as woman's proper dictator and 
law-giver, permitting her to go thus far and no farther. 

THE CHANGE. 

The modern girl is a great advance on the maids of a gen- 
eration ago. The modern girl is out and about, getting an 
insight into the world and its ways. Freedom and fresh air 
make her self-reliant and healthy in tone, and instead of the 
hysterical, sickly, sentimental tear-shedder, we have sensible 
and capable women of intelligence who make good wives and 
competent mothers, who can understand the difficulties of life 
and can act as both chum and partner to husband, and it is 



382 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

no uncommon thing to find wives as capable of business as 
husbands. 

Many wives of the past had so little knowledge of the 
world that when deprived of their husbands' support they 
were quite helpless. 

THE EDUCATION OF THE DAUGHTERS. 

The education of the daughters should be as broad and 
liberal as that of the sons, and of both it should be as broad 
and liberal as possible to attain. It is as much the duty of 
parents to make it a prime factor in the education of the 
daughters to qualify them to earn their own living at honest 
labor — trades, professions or arts, and to plan for their own 
temporal welfare, not only for their present needs, but when 
the period of their life arrives when by the natural decline and 
wear-out of physical and mental vigor, they shall be no longer 
able to work, as it is to thus educate the sons. 

A woman being qualified to make her own living and look 
after her own personal welfare, does not deprive her of any ol 
the christian graces, but in lifting her from the demoralizing 
slough of dependence, to that of independence, the christian 
graces have the better opportunity to develop into perfect 
purity. And a woman who is acquainted with the problem of 
bread-earning — the struggle for existence, understands what to 
expect from possibilities, and is also better able to aid in 
managing and working out the problem. 

The great error of keeping women ignorant of the com- 
mercial problem of bread-earning, is seen in those cases where 
those who have not this knowledge have been left property or 
money which in their untrained control melts away like a 
feathery snow under a July sun. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 383 

MONTHLIES, OR CATAMENIAL FLOW. 

The catamenial flow, menses, menstruation, are terms 
given to the monthly sanguinons discharge from the female gen- 
erative organs. Its appearance is considered to mark the de- 
velopment of the power of reproduction, or puberty. It is not 
essential that the color of the discharge be red — it may be 
white or colorless as water. The time of life at which it ap- 
pears varies from the age of fourteen to twenty years; a few 
cases are met that it appeared at the age of eleven years. The 
climate, hot or cold, is supposed to modify its appearance, the 
hot climate hastening and the cold retarding its appearance. 
It usually disappears at the age of forty-five years, though 
cases are met in which it disappeared earlier as well as con- 
tinuing much longer. The writer met a case in which it con- 
tinued till past sixty -three, and one in which it discontinued 
at the age of thirty, though both of these cases are rare. 

The appearance of the catamenia is periodic, it appearing 
about every twenty-eight days, or thirty or thirty-one days. 
It varies from one to eight days in continuance, and from one 
to eight ounces in quantity, various causes modifying this, 
chief of which is the temperament of the individual ; an atonic 
condition of the system in the sanguinous, and the lymphatic 
temperaments will increase the flow, while the atonic condition 
in the bilious-nervous temperaments may, and frequently does 
suspend its appearance altogether. In the first two temper- 
aments aboved named, the flow is usually greater than in the 
last named. Excessive exercise, by breaking down the general 
health placing the system in an atonic condition, modifies the 
discharge. Preceding its first appearance the subject appears 
more reserved, dignified and sensitive, and the mammary 
glands of the female begin to enlarge. The voice changes, and 
the mental aspirations, fancies, likes and dislikes, also change. 



384 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

This transition is not the cause of diseased conditions or a 
deranger of the health, though diseased conditions already ex- 
isting may, and frequently do appear more prominent, and 
also, abnormal conditions ameliorate or disappear altogether, 
the system appearing to take on new vigor, or greater ability 
to continue life occasionally manifests. 

The requirement of a greater amount of sleep, which mani- 
fests and accompanies the transition stage in both males and 
females, is due to the greater or increased activities of the sys- 
tem, hence requires more sleep for rest, and this should be per- 
mitted — the night hours for sleep must be increased, however, 
and not take up the habit of day-time sleep. 

Those persons whose bodies have been well nourished, well 
fed, whose habits of excretion have been kept active, the body 
well clothed and clean, sufficient muscular exercise taken, (not 
over-work, however), and surrounded with pleasant environ- 
ments, the transition is placidly passed, the system admirably 
adapts itself to its new requirements, and needs no interference, 
meddling or botherment whatever, other than attention to the 
above mentioned conditions of the general health. 

Various theories are entertained by different writers and 
doctors regarding the origin and function of the catamema, 
many of which theories are more amusing than sensible, espe- 
cially so as opinions emanating from scientific research. Chief 
of these opinions are that its appear nnce is due to "degenera- 
tion and disintegration of the mucous membrane of the uterus,'' 
and many others consider its appearance due to causes as vague. 

This function is simply an excretory function— the excreting 
of the useless materials of the reproductive economy or func- 
tion, as the urinary organs and bowels perform this function 
from the general economy. And the excretion may, or may 
not appear, its non-appearance not being harmful, as the non- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 385 

appearance of the other excretions. This excretion varies in 
quantity in the males as in the females, but never reaching the 
same average quantity in the males as in the females, for rea- 
sons peculiar to the difference in the functions of the male and 
female in the function of reproduction. The discharge from the 
male is colorless, or comparatively so, and is of the same 
periodic nature as in the female. 

In both male and female it is simply a natural provision 
for the healthy well-being of the economy of the reproductive 
organs and for keeping this part of the body in harmony with 
the general bodily economy. Its not appearing in the female 
during gestation, or pregnancy, is due to this force — if it may 
be so called, being consumed in the building of the new being, 
hence does not appear as unused, useless or effete material. 
The function of these discharges is one of God's special provis- 
ions for preserving the welfare of the economy of the repro- 
ductive organs, as the alvine, urinary, and sweat excretions are 
provisions for the preservation of the general bodily economy. 

This function appears wholly without any reproductive im- 
pulse, also the desire for or reproductive impulse may and does 
appear, when this manifestation is entirely absent, and also 
impregnation and gestation, as there are many cases where no 
menstrual discharge appeared during the entire child-bearing 
periods which continued over twenty and twenty-five years, 
and also cases have been met in which no menstrual discharge 
had manifested, yet the woman became a mother. 

Deviations from normal rectify by placing the general health 
in normal condition. 

Mothers and those who have the charge of young girls, 
should not neglect to instruct them regarding this function, and 
direct them in regard to the observance of cleanliness at this 
13- 



386 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

time, and the father or mother should direct their sons regard- 
ing their new developed self, that they may not be led into 
error by the unscrupulous, and their lives made wrecks of. 

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS OF GIRLS.— ALSO WOMEN. 

The strictest hygiene and cleanliness should be observed by 
girls during the catamenial flow — also by women. Many girls, 
and women also, are a nuisance to themselves and associates 
as well, at this time. There is no reason why these parts 
should not be kept clean, and too, without unnecessarily di- 
recting too much thought to them. Want of cleanliness of 
these parts gives rise to irritations which may develope into 
serious disease, as this discharge is a natural excretion of use- 
less material from this part of the bodily economy, and like 
the other matters of the body of this nature is offensive. A 
sponge or mat (A mat can be made by placing cotton between 
cheese cloth, or other fabric, about three or four inches wide 
by ten or sixteen inches long, and closing the edges of the 
•~loth neatly), placed over the mouth of the vagina and held 
in place by a T shaped napkin properly and securely applied, 
should be used to receive this discharge and prevent soiling of 
body or clothes. One dozen and a half of mats and half a dozen 
napkins are usually sufficient. These mats should be changed 
from twice, to three or four times daily, according to the 
freeness of the flow, and the parts as thoroughly cleansed as 
can be done with a sponge or cloth. The writer does not ap- 
prove of injection at this time. Nature cleanses the parts un- 
reachable by a sponge, by her own method, and especially in 
girls, and injections in cases of girls are unnecessary and in- 
judicious meddling, as a rule. 

The Victoria, an article of most elegant utility for service 
at these manifestations, can be purchased ready for use. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 387 

The loud offensive odors manifesting at this time are due 
very largely to a general retention of abnormal matters that 
the getting rid of has been too long neglected, and by per- 
mitting the discharges to remain filthy about the parts. Strict 
attention must be given to the excretory function of the kid- 
neys and bowels that they are kept active. Then with prop- 
erly cleansing the parts as above directed, the subject can be 
kept endurable. The entire body may be sponged with hot, or 
warm water and soap, any season of the year without injury 
or danger of taking cold, if the room in which the bath is 
taken is properly warmed and the chill air not permitted over 
the body while the surface is wet and bare. 

A teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa added to a glass of 
water, a teaspoonful of the mixture taken two or three times 
a day, disperses offensive odors, but the above directions are 
the best methods. 

THE MONOPAUSE. 

The monopause, more commonly called "the change of life,'j 
is the arrival of that period of life in the female of the human 
family, when the power to bear children has ceased — or has 
completed its mission — that period when it ceases to be active. 
This, like the entering upon the child-bearing period of life is a 
plan of nature, and should be passed as unconsciously as a 
restful night sleep, and really would if the woman was properly 
preserved and her body undisturbed. 

Much of the morbidness presenting at this time, in fact 
about all of it, is not due to the cessation of menstruation or 
child-bearing, but appearing at this time is attributed to it. 

The monopause appearing at what should be middle life, 
women should enter upon post-menstrual life in vigor of health 
of both body and mind. But such is the exceedingly rare case, 



388 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

much more frequently the woman is a wreck both physically 
and mentally— very few women reach the monopause with well 
poised body, nervous system, or mind. This is due to the over- 
taxings, of excessive ovarian or sexual excitations, physical ex- 
haustion from the demands upon her body in giving nutriment 
off to too many children, and the excessive wear both bodily 
and mentally in the care of them, long continued loss of sleep, 
poorly fed, poorly clothed, and over-worked generally; the 
whole fiber of the being has weakened by constant expenditure 
of vital force beyond the nutritive income to balance or replace, 
and additional worriment may cause reason to totter and fall. 

Women are permitted no time for recuperative rest of either 
body or mind. Women who are complained of for their change 
from being good mothers, affectionate wives, and careful house 
keepers, have simply had life crushed out by long continued 
service; and when the good qualities have been forced to 
slacken, the woman is branded as "insane" and "a she-devil," 
when in fact the lack of rest, recreation and kindly treatment 
is the only thing wrong. 

Some marked changes that manifest at this time are not 
due to the cessation of the menstruation or child-bearing, but 
to neglect of proper attention to the general health ; excretions 
are permitted to become sluggish, rest and exercise improperly 
regulated, and nutrition becomes feeble. The abdominal de- 
formity — unduly large abdomen, appearing at this period of 
life, is largely due to deficient excretion, and improper diges- 
tion which produces gaseous accumulations ; and these gaseous 
accumulations may enter the circulation, and may exude or 
leak out, as the fluids in conditions of dropsy, thus producing 
distension or over-bigness all over the body, and which condi- 
tion may be found to be true, by massaging over the body or 
some part of it, which may be over some part where there is 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 389 

uncomfortable feeling or pain, when it will be noted that the 
patient will belch thus throwing off gas from the stomach. 

The mixture soon directed which contains podophyllin and 
cascara, taken as there directed, will restore to normal condi- 
tion, or a capsule (see remedies in this book) may be taken 
one at night just before going to bed, and a dose of Garfield 
Tea taken the next morning before eating, for three days, then 
twice a week. This will give the cure. 

Occasionally a sensation of quickening is experienced caus- 
ing the woman to imagine that she is pregnant. This may be 
due to inactivity of the urinary organs, to a constipated 
condition of the bowels, or it may be due to sexual 
intercourse, which most certainly should not be indulged in 
at this time, it always being fraught with injury to the 
woman. 

Excessive hemorrhage appearing at this time is due to 
over-relaxation of the system. This may be due to excitation 
of these organs, to impoverishment of the system, or to reten- 
tion of the debris, detritus — excretions from economy. 

When excessive hemorrhage, or flooding manifests, admin- 
ister a hot water sitz and foot bath, and give internally the 
following : Essence of cinnamon, one- fourth of a teaspoonful, 
and oil of erigeron, ten drops in syrup or water, every fifteen 
minutes, in severe cases, in milder cases every half hour, 
lengthening the time as the hemorrhage checks. The patient 
must rest in the recumbent position. The general treatment 
must be directed toward building up the general health, 
supply liberally nutritious foods, and permit undisturbed rest 
in the recumbent position. 

To establish and regulate excretion and favor nutrition, 
the following admirably serves the purpose : Take fluid extract of 
cascara, aromatic, and glycerine, of each, four ounces; tincture 



390 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

of buchu, one ounce; simple syrup two ounces, and podophyllin, 
two grains. Mix. Give a tablespoonful of the mixture every 
night just before retiring, for three nights, then every third or 
fourth night, or twice a week, till health is restored to nor- 
mal condition. If the appetite is absent, three drops of 
tincture of gentian, in a teaspoonful of water, taken three 
times a day just before meals, is an efficient appetite per- 
suader. Also an orange eaten before breakfast is an elegant 
appetite improver. 

Dropsy frequently manifests at this time. It is due to an 
impoverished condition of the general system, and retained 
and perverted excretions, especially the urinary excretions. 
If dropsy is manifesting (it usually appears in the feet and 
ankles, first), a hot water sitz and foot bath must be taken 
daily. Add two ounces of tincture of buchu to the cascara 
mixture, above named, instead of one ounce, as above di- 
rected, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture every three 
hours till four doses have been taken, then take a dose 
every third or fifth night, till recovery. Nutritious food must 
be supplied. 

BOYS' CHANGE.— FROM BOYHOOD TO MANHOOD. 

From some unaccountable reason no attention is given the 
»boy's health or welfare during this transition state. No mat- 
ter about the boys, is the usual pass upon them. While in 
the main the boy's out-door freedom and muscular exercise 
do much to favor a healthy equilibrium of body and mind, the 
boy growing to manhood needs far more care, guiding and 
kindly sympathy than he has ever obtained. The same causes 
that will produce unfavorable results, that will be harmful to 
the health of the girl, will be equally effective of similar results 
to the health of the boy, notwithstanding the usual neglect of 
this subject. Poorly fed, improperly clothed, over-worked at 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 391 

study or muscular labor, insufficient sleep, undue excitements, 
unpleasant environments, all alike affect the boy as the girl in 
these growing years. The boy, as the girl, shows lack of 
proper food, gets run-down by this deficiency of nutrition for 
nature's work that is going on, and by hard work, and he 
sometimes gets bilious, bowels constipated and kidneys act 
morbidly, which cause irritations, nervousness, disturbed, un- 
easy sensations about the urinary organs, the rectum, colon, 
and throughout the pelvic region. Following this comes the 
languid, drowsy, despondent, hypochondriacal, and occasion- 
ally outbursts of passion, over-irritable and disagreeable, and 
an indolent, dragging heaviness throughout the body, and for 
treatment and sympathy the boy is scolded, called "indolent," 
"sleepy -headed," "lazy," "mean" "and no good, generally." 

The above causes and effects are by no means due to the 
transition, neither are they consequent — they are due to im- 
proper treatment and improper care, which give the same re- 
sults at any time of life. If the body is properly nourished the 
excretions (urinary, alvine and perspiration) are kept properly 
active, a proper amount of muscular exercise, congenial mental 
employment and due amount of rest and sleep provided and 
permitted, together with pleasant surroundings, the transition 
in both sexes will be passed through as placidly as going to 
sleep, as far as this development being a disease-producing 4 
factor is concerned. 

The growing body — growing to attain its finished size — re- 
quires abundance of wholesome, nutritious food, and of all 
times during our entire life, during the growing period of the 
body we best enjoy the deliciousness of foods, and if any period 
of life should be favored with delicious foods more than any 
other, certainly this period should have the preference. By this 



392 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

I do not mean highly spiced or highly seasoned foods, as all 
foods retaining their naturalness are best. 

The demands of the body are necessarily great during this 
period of mental and physical development and growth — it de- 
mands material to promote growth, material to replace that 
which has died by limitation of its power of endurance and 
wear-out, and to produce that force necessary for conducting 
both the physical and mental economy. The mind needs whole- 
some nutritious food — needs directing aright to be able to 
properly select and assimilate the good, and reject that which 
is pernicious — that which is productive of morbidness. 

The activities being great, the consumption and wear-out 
great, there is much ashes, clinkers, dust — debris and detritus, 
clinging about hinges, pivots, joints, nerve beds, etc., which 
must be kept scavenged out, to permit of and insure smooth 
running of the bodily machinery and the mind. The capsules 
or powders (see remedies in this book), taken sufficiently fre- 
quent to keep the tongue clean, or one of the compounds pre- 
scribed in this book, which contains podophyllin and cascara, 
in addition to the baths, meet this requirement. A capsule 
taken every third night, and the following taken three times a 
day, an hour before or an hour after meals, gives excellent 
satisfactory results in any cases where there is disposition to 
chill, nervousness or irritations : Take polymnia uvedalia, one 
drachm; glycerine and water, of each, two ounces. Mix, and 
take a teaspoonful as above. 

In addition to the above care, add half an ounce of aqua 
ammonia to three gallons of water used by the boys for their 
bath, every other w^eek. Situate the boy so that he may take 
a hot water sitz bath, every week, or two or three times a week 
if his bowels dispose to constipation or the feces dispose to be 
unduly dry — for if such is the case he w T ill experience undue 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 393 

nervousness and irritations about these parts. This inactivity 
of urinary and alvine excretions must not be permitted to 
exist, nor continue. By varying the foods, using the baths, 
and taking an occasional dose of the remedies here named, 
this can be effectually righted. Staphysagria, one drachm, 
added to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture 
taken four times a day, relieves irritations, given in addition 
to the above treatment. But there is seldom any need of 
other treatment than given above. 

Then in addition to the above attentions, make the boys' 
room as pretty as the girls' room. Let the boys' room be 
filled with pretty furniture and attractive furnishings. Let the 
boys have a place in the home for something they can claim 
as their own. Let there be a gift here from father, and there 
from mother, others from sisters and perhaps from brother to 
brother. These kindnesses not only improve the health, but 
form cords binding family love and sympathies together mak- 
ing each nearer and dearer to the other and home, and giv- 
ing out, as products, the most loving and kindest husbands 
and the best citizens. 

OBSTETRICS.— MIDWIFERY. 

The practice of obstetrics, or midwifery, extends over the 
the entire period of the existence of the human family. There 
is nothing new in its essential features. Difficult and prolonged 
labors have occasionally been met in all ages. No one age, to 
the present, can boast of any marked discoveries for making 
the ordeal of child-birth freer from suffering than any other age. 
To the enlightening of every woman regarding the human body, 
and especially her own, its functions generally, and the func- 
tion of reproduction especially, her rightful duty to protect and 
preserve her own body, is both foundation and structure for 
making this ordeal bearable. 



394 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In the earlier ages obstetrics was looked upon as woman's 
work, and was relegated to her, it being considered by man as 
being beneath his dignity to do such menial work; and in the 
earlier ages it was considered indecent — immoral, for a man to 
be present at the birth of a child. So firm a hold did this re- 
finement have upon the people, that as late as 1522, a Dr. 
Wertt, of Hamburg, who assumed the dress of a woman to at- 
tend a case of labor to study the processes, was burned alive 
in consequence, so history informs. 

The natural endowment of woman for attending to woman 
in conditions of child-birth, her aptitude to learn — her expert- 
ness of experience which no male physician can ever gain, her 
readiness and aptitude for every part of the care necessary in 
this condition, makes her pre-eminently the one to have charge 
of these cases, as also the treatment — of at least women and 
children in sickness. 

The opportunities for male obstetricians and male physici- 
ans generally to gain information on this matter are exceed- 
ingly limited — much more so than the public has been led to 
believe. The following which the writer gleans from an article 
of the late Prof. A.J. Howe M. D., whose eminence was world 
wide, places the matter in about the right light. And as this 
must include the cases of hospitals, homes, etc., it is clearly 
seen that the opportunities for students at colleges are also 
meagre: "During the year 1880, there were born within the 
city (Cincinnati) limits 7,945 babies; and of these 5,623 fell 
into the hands of midwives, making 71 per cent, of the entire 
lot. This would leave 29 per cent, to physicians. There are 70 
midwives in the city, therefore each on an average waits on 
80 cases. There are 360 practicing physicians in the city, con- 
sequently, each on the average would only obtain six cases, or 
one in two months." Though this average was made several 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 395 

years past, it amounts to the same in any period. Estimating 
from the above average, which is representative, the average 
male practitioner, the average time of whose life in which he 
is actively engaged in the practice of medicine, which may 
probably be estimated at about fifteen or twenty years, would 
only allot to each about 100 to 120 attendances at child births 
in a lifetime, but it rarely reaches even this number. 

An M. D. with whom the writer was once in attendance of 
an obstetric case, he to impress the importance of his knowl- 
edge of such cases had informed the lady that "he had attended 
2,200 cases of child-birth." He had been located in a small 
village, surrounded by villages and towns within every three 
to five miles, and the usual number of doctors, midwives, and 
"old women" throughout the country. 

WOMAN'S UNWILLINGNESS TO BECOME MOTHERS. 

The unwillingness, in the majority of cases, of women to 
become mothers — especially of unduly large numbers of children, 
is simply the exercise of good sense and an able discernment 
of right. 

No pair have a right to bring a larger number of children 
into the world than from reasonable judgment of their physi- 
cal ability they may be able to care for them in their many 
years of helplessness, and their commercial ability to provide 
for them during this time the temporal needs, and to do that 
without working so great hardships on themselves that the 
taxings deprive father and mother of so nearly all rest, com- 
forts and pleasures throughout life. 

Every unbiased observer well knows that it is not from 
any special desire for unduly large numbers of children, or any 
special love for the unduly large numbers, that prompts many 
men to beget such large numbers of children, but it is in the 
largest number of cases, simply a motive of selfish indulgence 



396 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

of a power he has perverted into a vicious habit for momen- 
tary pleasure. And it is to be equally regretted that in many 
of these cases the motive for the unduly large number of child- 
ren is to keep the mother in the helpless dependence which she 
feels she can no longer endure. 

Men admire freedom from cares and responsibilities quite 
as much as women — and a little more, as is evidenced in every 
day life on every hand. And men are quite as much prone to 
marry for comfort at as little effort on their own part as 
possible, as women (and for which there is no semblance of 
excuse but his unwillingness to shoulder the responsibilities of 
entering competitive commerce, and gather these comforts, 
whereas from the condition of helpless dependence the position 
of wife and mother entails upon the woman, she has justifiable 
grounds for desiring a man who has either the comforts of 
life or the ability to provide them), as is seen in cases of 
women with ready cash — or business ability which is equiv- 
alent to cash, having so many admiring admirers and — offers 
— of a help to enjoy her blessings — such a woman always 
being just lovely no matter if freckles as big as the moon be- 
deck her face and she has a nose as pretty as a w art-hog, 
and a voice that croaks like a bumble-bee in a tar bucket, and 
her perambulations as perk and facile as a crippled mud-turtle. 

It is not only women's right to decide when she will be 
mother and of how many children she will be mother, but it 
is a duty she owes not only to herself but to humankind. 
Over-production of children in addition to it imposing undue 
hardships upon parents, especially upon the mother, gives off 
weaklings in children, both mentally and physically, who must 
go forth unfit for anything but to grovel along through a 
miserable life of helpless dependence. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 397 

PREVENTION OF OR CONTROL OF CONCEPTION. 

Though this subject attracts widespread attention, but lit- 
tle intelligence is exercised or obtainable regarding its essential 
nature or necessity. The importance of this subject may be dis- 
cerned by a glance at the human suffering and premature deaths 
due to the husbands' and wives' over-exhausted bodies from 
giving off too many new beings and over-burdening themselves 
with a larger number of children than it is possible for two 
people to provide for and perform the duties absolutely neces- 
sary in caring for human-kind during so many years of help- 
lessness and dependence. In all animal life there are none so 
really helpless, and so long so, as in the human family, and 
among no animal life is so little intelligence exercised regarding 
right in this matter, as in the human family. 

But women are the real sufferers ; it is they who carry, 
lift and perform, with patience and forbearance, not only the 
tender kindnesses but the menial drudgeries of work these help- 
less ones create, the man so frequently successfully evading 
these services on the excuse that he is a man. 

The function of reproduction was provided in the human 
family for the same purpose it was provided in all animal life 
— to all animal life to reproduce its kind, to continue keeping 
them alive on the earth. Any other use these organs are put 
to is prostitution, no matter under what guise the use may be 
practiced. 

Nature has nowhere hinted that these organs were given 
for playthings — to amuse and entertain. 

The desire to cohabit without the desire for the life ol an- 
other is prostitution, is as great a sin as illicit cohabitation, 
and children begotten of such parentage will sink to the same 
level as those of the illicit. 



398 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The new being takes on the physical and mental qualities 
and conditions of parentage at the time of generation, and 
none can saturate the body with alcohol and tobacco, revel in 
sexual dissipation, and give self over to lust, without entailing 
the grievous wrong upon offspring. The offspring of such are 
the children conceived in sin and born in iniquity — born with 
the evils of which the parents were never suspected ; are cursed 
before birth ; the sins of the parents visited upon the children ; 
the true character of the child is laid before it is conceived. 

The unwelcome, tiny, helpless wrecks are thrown upon the 
bosom of a cold, heartless and ignorant world, conceived by men 
and women whose only desire was sexual satiety — without love 
or the desire for the life of another. These are the children who 
are badly born. To overcome this in after life is next to per- 
forming a miracle, and the helpless wretches — innocent victims, 
become the inhabitants of the penitentiaries, the dungeon, the 
lunatic asylum, the schools of correction, asylums for blind, 
deaf and dumb, and furnish subjects for the gallows, while 
those who did the grosser wrong go free. Children born with 
defective, deformed, unkind, unlovely bodies and mind are born 
of parents who did not want children. 

The well-born child is the product of conception inspired by 
mutual love and desire for the life of another — it will be wel- 
come, useful, happy and make happy — will go forth blessed and 
to bless. 

There is less Christianity and worse evil effects from sensual 
dissipation than from whiskey dissipation. These two dissi- 
pations are working the moral, physical, and mental destruc- 
tion of the human family. 

Passion is degeneration. Nature never instigated one pas- 
sion. Love causes no suffering, it causes no pain, no heart- 
pangs, no tears, brings nor creates no evil, it does not get 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 399 

any one into trouble, it breaks nobody's heart, it causes no 
man to think of infidelity, it never leads any woman to go 
wrong — but sensuality has done all these and more. 

No woman should be forced to bear a child who does not 
want one. Think for one moment of the endowment bestowed 
upon the nervous system of the new unborn being, whose mother 
earnestly, eagerly, nervously awaits the ''welcome visitor" 
which assures her she is not pregnant ; and when it does not 
appear, think of the mental torture, of the thoughts which 
occupy her mind as weeks pass on till she becomes resigned — 
but not satisfied, wath her fate. Being resigned to fate and 
the desire for the life of another, there is a wide difference be- 
tween. Both leave their marks. 

The woman should have preference in deciding whether she 
be mother of children, when, and how many ; it is she whose 
body is kept in helpless dependence, it is her body that gives 
nutrition to the new being, it is her hands and arms that 
carries, lifts, washes, cleanses, makes, mends, and in many in- 
stances provides, or does a great part of it ; hence she is most 
competent to judge of, and decide in this matter. None has a 
right to bring helpless beings into existence and thrust the 
burden on others. 

Women have not the over-grown, cultivated passions that 
men have, and are governed by a sense of right in this matter 
as a rule. By far the largest number of wives loathingly sub- 
mit to men's excessive habits to keep any degree of peace in 
the home. When there is sensual usurpation on the one side, 
and a loathing submission on the other, wedlock is lashed into 
lasciviousness, the wife is degraded into a mistress, and love 
and affection changed into aversion and hate. And what for 
the off-spring? 



400 THS MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The professor who searched the vocabulary of the languages, 
both ancient and modern, for a word meaning a male virgin, 
found no such word in any of them ; but in all of them found 
the word virgin or its equivalent, as applied to females. Did 
the word makers know there was no use for such a word ap- 
plicable for males? Chastity guarded by the desire for the life 
of another cannot be moved in the wrong direction. 

Neither man nor woman suffers any physical, nervous, or 
mental discomfort from disuse of the sexual organs. Reproduc- 
tion, though a physiological function, unlike the other functions 
of the human body, only comes into activity at the bidding of 
the mind. The forces have an out-let in well exercised muscles 
and the excreted effete materials that are purifying and life sus- 
taining, ridding the system of its own detritus — which detritus 
remaining in the economy, has an unhealthy effect upon the 
brain, and to this is due the abnormal sexual desire, and not 
to a healthy condition, nor the desire for an off-spring. 

The crowning piece of God's work is not so imperfect as 
man would like to claim — which accusation against God is 
blasphemy, but is simply man's excuse for practicing his vicious 
ways. God has not left the human body without an equipoise 
in the needs of its well being — and this equipoise consists in the 
"emissions" from the male, and the menses from the female, 
which are the effete materials from this part of the body's 
economy — which not having been called into use in the building 
of a new being, pass from the human body, as the effete materials 
from the other parts of the body's economy pass from the 
urinary and alvine oirtlets, and vigorous muscular exercise daily 
resorted to — "the earning of the bread by the sweat of the 
brow". 

God was perfect in his every creation, leaving nothing in 
all his works, whatever or wherever, that every essential was 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 401 

not provided for its well-being, and nowhere is this more per- 
fectly shown than in the crowning piece of his wondrous work, 
the human being. 

Bvery person called into being is embodied with its measure 
of force, and if that force is spent in vile or vicious habits, 
there is none left for the better purposes of life — none promo- 
tive of betterment, well-being or of virtue. Were there no other 
provisions in the economy of the human body, muscular exer- 
cise alone is a connterpoise to sexual activity. 

There is nothing in this knowledge that is immodest, noth- 
ing that is not elevating and promotive of virtue. When the 
human family learns that muscular exercise (labor) is an essen- 
tial part in the physical well-being; a blessed gift and not a 
curse, but an aid to adjust the economy of the being; that the 
sexual organs are for reproductive purposes only; that our in- 
telligence was given us to entertain ourselves, and will accept 
the situation as God's providing wisdom, then will virtue, 
health and happiness prevail, conception will be controlled by 
sense and right, and children will come blessed and not cursed, 
and temporal comforts will not be lacking. No woman should 
submit to any other solving of the problem of the prevention 
of conception than the above, and no man should ask it. 

The home without children presents a deficiency that no 
substitute can fill. If the man and woman are of sound mind 
and good health there should be a reasonable number of chil- 
dren. This is part of the essential to make a complete life. 

SIGNS OF PREGNANCY. 

It seems that the female in the human family should be 
able to know when conception takes place, as it is known to 
females among other animals, but such is exceedingly rare the 
case. To what to attribute this is not so readily explained. 



402 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The first sign of pregnancy is usually considered to be the 
cessation of the menses. Yet this is not a certain sign as the 
non-appearance of this excretion may be due to other causes, 
and also, the menstrual flow has appeared when pregnancy ex- 
isted, though this is of rare occurence, and when it does appear 
at this time it is due to either a very debilitated condition of 
the patient, or it is due to her being on her feet so long and 
to prolonged hard work, and occasionally to abuse. 

The enlargement of the abdomen may be considered a sign, 
and yet this enlargement is sometimes due to dropsy or gas- 
eous accumulations, or to the presence of a tumor. 

The morning sickness is considered a sign of pregnancy, 
and this also arises sometimes from other causes. 

The dark color around the nipples and the growth of the 
breasts is thought to be a sign, but this has failed, as after the 
first pregnancy the change in color around the nipples is not 
usually marked, and the breasts have been known to increase 
in size and even to contain milk, without pregnancy. When 
however, two or more of these above signs present, and expos- 
ure to opportunity for pregnancy has existed, pregnancy may 
be believed to exist. 

OBSERVATIONS FOR THE PREGNANT WOMAN. 

Very many of the disturbances manifesting during gestation 
are not either wholly or in part due to the condition of preg- 
nancy (though this condition may and does sometimes aug- 
ment the severity of ailments appearing at this time), but 
may and do appear when this condition is not present, as 
headache, backache, heavy and languid feelings, biliouness, in- 
activity of the bowels and kidneys, and many other unpleasant 
sensations. There is necessity of rest, of avoidance of being 
too much on the feet as well as avoidance of too much 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 403 

sedentary habits, of avoidance of over-work — of excitation 
of the emotions during the entire months of gestation 
and lactation. The observation of this caution is as much 
needed during the first four months of gestation while the 
uterus is lower in the pelvis, as later. Numerous unpleasant- 
nesses, prolonged and difficult labor, convulsions and bad get- 
tings up, have for a very, very large part of their cause, 
inactivity of the kidneys, constipated bowels, over-work or too 
much sedentary habits, sexual excitement and vexation — the 
nerves and body having been taxed to the utmost so long, a 
give-way is the result; nor does the give-way terminate in the 
condition it brings to the mother — it extends to the offspring, 
causing various morbidities, with probable fatality in some 
cases. By avoiding the above abuses, keeping the urinary and 
alvine actions free, the very largest per cent, of uterine irri- 
tation, numerous nervousnesses, morning sickness, morning 
headache, the false pains, the backache, the soreness, the legs- 
ache, the dragging sensations and numerous other miserable 
associated sufferings, will not be experienced. 

The insanity in pregnant and puerperal women is due to a 
general abnormal condition of the general health — the body 
having been too much over-taxed with over-work, too much 
sedentary habits, sexual excitement, and unpleasant environ- 
ments in nearly every case, and righting these wrongs will cure 
nearly every case. 

Motherhood is the highest and most important position 
to come to the lot of humankind, and yet, very many mothers 
are the most abused and degraded. From the moment of con- 
ception the mother should be placed with the most pleasant 
surroundings, let the pictures meeting her views be the most 
beautiful and lovable ones — let her companions be love, kind- 
ness, and tenderness. 



404 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

When a woman finds herself pregnant she should wear loose 
clothing, take moderate exercise, and keep her mind as free 
from worry as possible. She should retire to bed early and 
arise early, and copulation after pregnancy is known to exist 
should be entirely prohibited, as also during the time the child 
nurses, thus permitting the woman's health and nerves to keep 
normal, fit to perform the charge upon her. At least during 
the last three months a sleep and rest in the afternoon is ad- 
visable. 

Every woman in this delicate health should obtain at least 
two or three thorough emptyings of the bowels daily up to the 
hour of labor. And it insures an easier and quicker delivery, 
when it is plainly evident that the ordeal is at hand, if the pa- 
tient take a remedy to thoroughly empty both bowels and 
bladder. These parts being thoroughly empty greatly favors 
the progress of the ordeal, insures quicker and less painful de- 
livery, as well as improves cleanliness. For the purpose ot 
emptying the bladder and bowels at this time the writer has 
found no remedy more suitable than a dose of the anti-bilious 
physic (see remedies in this book). It acts promptly and thor- 
oughly, creates no undesirable disturbance, does its acting and 
quits, and in addition to its removing the obstructions from 
the above channels, it eliminates much morbidness from the cir- 
culation, which leaves a betterness in the entire economy and 
prevents convulsions. 

When offensive odors cling about the breath, sweat, and 
unduly about the excretions any time during gestation, it indi- 
cates that morbid matters are not sufficiently eliminated and 
excreted, and a prompter should be administered. For this 
purpose the following will be found admirably adapted any 
time during the period of gestation : Take fluid extract of cas- 
cara aromatic, one ounce ; simple syrup and glycerine, of each 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 405 

three ounces ; tincture of buchu, one ounce ; olive oil, one ounce, 
and podophyllin, one grain. Mix, and take a tablespoonful 
just before retiring to bed every other night till three or four 
doses have been taken, is usually sufficient to meet the require- 
ments in most cases. If a nasty taste manifests in the mouth, 
bowels dispose to constipation, take a teaspoonful of the above 
medicine everv four hours till three or four doses have been 
taken, then a dose every third or fifth night for ten or fifteen 
days, or as long as necessary. A powder (see remedies), or a 
capsule (see remedies in this book) taken as above, also serves 
the purpose. Syrup of Figs, taken a dose at night just before 
retiring, serves sometimes. A tablespoonful of this remedy 
should be taken as a dose. 

Sponging the entire surface of the body two or three times 
a week in winter, and every day in summer, with warm or hot 
water, using sufficient soap for cleanliness, during the period 
of gestation, greatly aids in sustaining an equilibrium of the 
economy of the body, in addition to the comfortableness of be- 
ing clean. 

During the last two weeks of gestation a hot water sitz- 
bath taken from three to five times a week, greatly aids in 
promoting favorable condition for the trying ordeal. When it 
is evident that labor is at hand, a hot water sitz-bath, con- 
tinued twenty or thirty minutes, will shorten the duration of 
the ordeal very much, also sufferings, by prohibiting rigidity. 

Pleasant mental employment and reasonable muscular ex- 
ercise is an absolute necessity. For the muscular exercise, a 
portion of the work of the household economy is suitably 
adapted in that it need not necessitate remaining in one posi- 
tion too long, and its variety breaks monotony, and its results 
in giving comfort and adding beauty in the home, make the 
pursuit of such exercise pleasing. 



406 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

It is needless for the woman to stay close in the house re- 
maining obscure from every recreation during this whole period. 
In fact it is by no means beneficial to herself nor the new be- 
ing to do so. Suitably attired she may attend church services 
and other enjoyments for several months, and may go among 
intimate friends so long as she feels comfortable to do so. 

Plenty of wholesome food should be partaken of, which 
should consist chiefly of vegetables, fruit, eggs and milk ; if 
meats are eaten it should be at the noon-day meal only. The 
"cravings" of some special food during gestation, so much 
talked of, only manifests with poorly fed women, women who 
are confined to monotonous foods not being supplied with the 
necessary changes the system demands, and those whose sys- 
tems are morbid. 

MORNING SICKNESS. 
The morning sickness of which many women complain 
while enduring this delicate condition of health arises from 
disturbances of the sympathetic nervous system due to some 
morbid condition — as biliousness, constipated condition of the 
bowels and deficient urinary excretion. Deficient exercise may 
aid in inducing its exhibiting. Disturbances of the sym- 
pathetic nervous system from undue sexual excitation doubt- 
less aids in some cases in promoting it and increasing the 
severity. 

Frequently the drinking of a cup of hot water, before get- 
ting up, or a cup of hot tea, then remaining quiet a few min- 
utes, will disperse it. Fluid extract of aromatic cascara, a 
teaspoonful taken each night, just before going to bed for three 
or four nights, then a dose from three to two times a week 
for awhile, will disperse its presence and prevent its return, in 
many cases. In severer cases, a dose of the anti-bilious physic 
is quite frequently the speediest relief. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 407 

A cup of Garfield Tea, taken before going to bed, for a few 
nights, is both a disperser of it when it is present, and prevents 
its return in many cases. 

VOMITING DURING PREGNANCY. 

Vomiting during pregnancy arises from the same causes 
that gives rise to morning sickness, and the cure or relief in 
either case consists largely in the prevention — namely, place the 
general health in normal condition and regulate the habits. 

When a paroxysm of morning sickness is on remain in the 
recumbent position in bed, eat the juice of a fresh orange, drink 
a cup of hot tea or coffee, then take a sleep. Take fluid extract 
of cascara, glycerine and simple syrup, of each, one ounce ; 
essence of peppermint, one-half ounce. Mix. Give a teaspoon- 
ful of. the mixture every four hours for two days, during the 
day ; then twice a day for a week or ten days. 

When vomiting presents, keep quiet in the recumbent posi- 
tion ; take the treatment directed above — except in place of tea 
or coffee, sup a cupful of water hot as possible, sponge the 
body with water hot as can be borne each day, and if the 
vomiting is persistent in recurring take a capsule every night 
for three nights, then every fourth night for about two weeks, 
if recovery is not apparent sooner. A cup of Garfield Tea 
taken as directed, acts kindly in these cases, and is not un- 
pleasant to take. 

One drop of chloroform given in sweetened water, was rec- 
ommended by Dr. Chase, to check vomiting in pregnancy. The 
writer has not had occasion to try it. But the relief that 
could come from such remedy, could only be temporary. The 
relief from the treatments and remedies the writer has directed 
above, is effective and permanent. 



408 THE MEDICAE ADVISER. 

HEART-BURN DURING GESTATION. 

The disturbance termed heart-burn may manifest during the 
last weeks of gestation, from the stomach being crowded upon. 
Or it may be due to debility, or to "bilious" matters being in 
the stomach, or to the foods not digesting, which then fer- 
menting and decomposing, produce an abnormal acid or ab- 
normal condition of the gastric juices. Take a capsule (see rem- 
edies in this book) just before going to bed at night; or, add 
five drops of tincture of nux vomica to four ounces of water 
and take a teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours dur- 
ing the day for six or eight days. Let the supper consist of a 
cup of hot water followed by a cup of Horlick's malted milk, 
also taken hot — or two cups of the malted milk, as it is deli- 
cious and healthful. 

Tincture of nux vomica, five drops; water, four ounces, 
mixed, a teaspoonful given every fifteen minutes till four doses 
have been given, then a dose every two hours during the day, 
disperses it in many cases. 

VARICOSE VEINS. 

Varicose veins are not wholly confined to the conditions 
of pregnancy though almost exclusively so. The cause of their 
appearance is due to obstructed circulation, prolonged stand- 
ing on the feet, exhausting the resisting powers of the walls 
of the veins which allows of their dilatation. In conditions of 
pregnancy the pressure of the child is an obstructing factor to 
free circulation in the lower limbs and especially so when the 
woman must be on her feet for prolonged time. 

Varicose veins chiefly appear on the lower limbs, about the 
thighs, below the knees, on the ankles and they may extend 
into the feet. They manifest a nodulated or knot-like appear- 
ance, and a bluish purple over the surface. They are always 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 409 

dangerous, are easily completely ruptured, when fatality may 
ensue due to excessive loss of blood. Varicose ulcer may man- 
ifest, and when such is the case, frequently proves very ob- 
stinate to cure. When the varicose, or dilatation has become 
extensive a permanent cure is exceedingly rare. Relief may be 
had, but recurrence on slight provocation takes place. 

In treating this condition, the writer does not consider 
operation advisable, as far as the writer has observed condi- 
tions are made worse by such treatment. Prevention is better 
than any method of attempt to cure, therefore persons, and 
especially a woman in the pregnant condition should avoid 
standing too long. Attention should be given to prevent this 
condition manifesting, and when its first appearance is noted, 
rest in the recumbent position should immediately be taken 
and continued till the manifestation disappears, as no per- 
manent betterment can be effected without this rest in the 
recumbent position. 

Bathe the limbs each day in hot water, to which has been 
added a teaspoonful of spirits of turpentine, a teaspoonful of 
essence of cinnamon, and half an ounce of glycerine to a gallon 
of the water used for this purpose. Or in this proportion. 
The kidneys and bowels must be kept freely active. This part 
of the treatment must not be neglected ; there may have been 
alvine dejections daily, yet not sufficient to prevent obstruc- 
tion. A dose of anti-bilious physic (see remedies in this book), 
gives an elegant action both urinary and alvine, and in addition 
eliminates much morbidness from the circulation thus giving 
much betterment; after this a capsule (see remedies in this book), 
taken once or twice a week, will continue these actions. Or, 
in mild cases, instead of the capsules, the following serves: 
Take olive oil and glycerine, of each, two ounces; fluid extract 
of cascara aromatic, one ounce. Mix, and take a tablespoon- 



410 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ful of the mixture every third or fourth night. Or Syrup of 
Figs may be taken in this frequency, following the anti-bilious 
physic. 

The rubber bandage or rubber stockings are not advisable. 
In severe cases, a strip of cloth two inches wide, applied as a 
bandage, serves better than the rubber appliances. The writer 
has had better results without any bandages, employing the 
above treatment. 

PREMATURE, OR FALSE LABOR PAINS. 

Labor pains appearing before the natural time of duration 
of gestation has expired, are generally due to the bowels and 
urinary organs being over-loaded, to being too long on the 
feet, or heavy lifting or to sexual excitation, very frequently to 
simply a condition of a general biliousness. 

The patient must take the recumbent position — go to bed 
and keep quiet, and call a physician if one can be obtained. If 
a physician cannot be obtained, a dose of salts may be given, 
or preferably a dose of anti-bilious physic (see remedies in this 
book), which will remove irritating substances, from the bowels 
and urinary organs, this with the rest in the recumbent posi- 
tion restores to normal condition, generally. 

A large dose of Garfield Tea, a dose taken every third 
morning for awhile, also restores to normal, good results man- 
ifesting soon after taking the first dose. 

JAUNDICE DURING PREGNANCY. 

It is unwise to permit a jaundice to continue during gesta- 
tion. It is due to improper action of the biliary function; 
there are also symptoms associated with it very like those 
manifesting in uraemia, there is the weariness, pain in the head, 
insomnia, and discoloration of the skin. A capsule or powder 
(see remedies in this book), taken every third or fourth night 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 411 

for two weeks, and five drops of chionanthus taken in a little 
syrup or water, three times a day, gives the desired cure, im- 
proving the general condition of the mother, preventing that 
unsightly mottled staining of the skin, and also much better- 
ment for the child. 

CRAMPS IN THE LOWER LIMBS. 

Cramps in the lower limbs at any time are caused by ob- 
struction to the circulation; also a condition of engorgement 
of the system, or a very feeble condition may give rise to 
cramps. In the later months of gestation the continued 
weight of the child interferes with free circulation, also a con- 
stipated condition of the bowels or inactivity of the kidneys is 
an obstruction to free circulation. 

Take a capsule or powder (see remedies in this book) every 
second night or every third night, and bathe the lower limbs 
in hot water every day, and especially if an attack is on or 
threatening. The bottoms of the feet well wet over with 
spirits of camphor hastens the dispersion of an attack. If the 
paroxysms are frequent and severe, give one drop of viburnum 
opulus in a teaspoonful of water every thirty minutes till three 
or four doses have been given, then add five drops of viburnum 
opulus to half a glass of water and give a teaspoonful of the 
mixture every two hours for three or four days. Taking suffi- 
cient rest and the above treatment is usually sufficient to stop 
the cramps. 

ABDOMINAL SUPPORTER DURING PREGNANCY. 

Much comfort and betterment are realized by the woman 
in delicate health if she leave off the corset at the latest as 
early as the fourth month, and supply its place with a suit- 
able bodice, one that supports the breasts. An abdominal 
supporter with elastic sides so fitted as to exercise comfortable 



412 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

pressure from below on the muscles, and supplied with tapes 
and straps to relax the pressure as the uterus enlarges, gives 
excellent comfort and assists in preserving the contour of the 
woman more shapely. For winter wear the abdominal sup- 
porter should be lined with silk or woolen fabric. 

This is of value in many ways. It preserves tone and 
strength to the abdominal muscles, both by preventing a pen- 
dulous abdomen, and by preserving strength and tone enables 
the muscles to assist in the expulsion of the child when labor 
arrives, and relieves much weight from the colon, thus to some 
degree preventing constipation. 

The bandage must be left off at night, and if the abdomen 
is rubbed over with fresh lard at night it greatly favors the 
restoration of the abdomen to its natural appearance, the traces 
of white lines usually present losing their visibility sooner. 

The "Standard Berlin" abdominal supporter, or "Hoffman's 
Perfected Adjustable" abdominal supporter, are the most per- 
fectly adapted of any found ready made, and these may be 
improved by suspenders or straps being added to extend over 
the shoulders. Either of these may be purchased of W. H. 
Armstrong & Co., of Indianapolis. Or, a supporter may be 
home made. A lady should offer such articles for sale. 

MOTHER'S MARK.— FATHER'S ENDOWMENT. 

Accounting for these malformations by the laws of growth, 
these abnormalities are subject to physiological development, 
but to what extent, or how, these mental impressions influ- 
ence is not clearly understood. But whatever the influence, it 
is at work from the formation of the ovum and sperm. De- 
fection of germ may exist, development be arrested, or per- 
verted, or may be excessive, and may or may not be directly 
due to special mental impressions upon the mother's mind. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 413 

Very close proximity exists between the nerves of the mother 
and child in utero, however, hence mental impressions may 
extend to the child, and most certainly do to a degree. 

Malformations and peculiar markings are found among 
birds and reptiles, and since the development of the being takes 
place in these animals after the ovum and sperm have been 
ejected — completely expelled from both the body of the female 
and male, qualities necessary to produce these abnormalities 
must have existed in the ovum, sperm, or both, previous to 
the commencement of formation of the new being. But yet 
this fact does not do away with the theory that influences 
during gestation may obstruct, pervert, arrest, or produce 
excess. 

The entire human family may be said to be impressionable, 
at any age or condition, and perhaps to the extent, either 
greater or less of changing purposes and characteristics. 

The savory odor of food is known to cause a flow of saliva. 
A provocation to anger has dispelled an appetite, checked 
digestion, provoked emesis, and diarrhea has resulted also. 
Fine acting, pleasant music, and a sad story have brought 
tears. Fear is known to have produced great relaxation of 
the body, or parts of it, to bring copious prespiration, and, 
there are authentic cases of hair turning gray in a few hours 
from fright, and total loss of hair from grief. 

That certain impressions made upon the mother's mind 
during pregnancy will affect the structure and growth of the 
child, and will in some manner deform it, has been more or 
less believed since the days of Jacob and Laban. Though there 
is not more than one child in a hundred marked when the 
mother anticipated it, yet there are instances so numerous, 
that the connection between the impression and the mark can 
hardly be disputed. 



414 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The common forms of mother's marks which have at- 
tracted most attention is a discoloration of the skin, and has 
appeared on various parts of the body, sometimes increasing 
in size as a child grows. Dr. Russ relates that the miners of 
Westphalia, who live away from their wives, are generally in- 
toxicated when they come home on visits. The result is that 
a large proportion of the children born of these families are 
idiots and feeble minded. This and similar observations from 
similar causes and results are probably called father's en- 
dowment. 

DURATION OF GESTATION. 

The length of time of the duration of gestation in the hu- 
man family is given widely varying lengths of time, by differ- 
ent writers, some placing the limit at 336 days, some at 325, 
others at 330, 268 and 266 days. The temperature of the 
woman, the general condition of her health, the number of 
confinements she has experienced, together with the care and 
treatment given her, have a modifying influence, but these 
vary the full time only a few days. 

A method for ascertaining about the date to expect confine- 
ment is to count backwards three months from the date of the 
beginning of the last menstruation, add four days to the date ; 
this date following the last menstruation is the date on which 
to expect confinement, or child-birth. For example, saj- the 
last menstruation began the 19th day of August; counting 
backward three months brings us to the 19th day of May, add 
four days makes the 23rd day of May. This date following 
the last menstruation is the date, within one day earlier or 
later, on which to expect confinement. 

"MOTION." 

In about four months and a half after conception motion 
of the child is sensibly felt by the mother. This has usually 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 415 

been called ' 'Quicken" and the ignorant have supposed that 
the child was not possessed of life till this motion appeared. 
But there is life from the moment of conception. 

PARTURITION OR LABOR. 

Having counted the time as above it is important to be 
watchful for approaching labor. Toward the last of the ninth 
month of gestation, about twelve or fourteen days before the 
expiration of time ascertained by above rule, the enlargement 
of the abdomen, or the full womb, makes its "first descent," 
or "lays lower," as described by many, which is a sign that 
the expiration of gestation is nearing its termination. The 
breathing becomes more easily performed, and much relief about 
the stomach and liver is experienced, and the inconvenience 
from pressure on the lower parts increases somewhat, giving 
rise to more frequent needs to urinate, and the difficulty for 
the bowels to evacuate is increased. 

For the sake of description, labor is divided into three 
stages. The first stage is called the stage of dilatation of the 
mouth of the womb, when the membranes rupture ; the second 
stage, from the dilatation to the birth of the child; and the 
third stage from the birth of the child to the expulsion of the 
placenta and contraction of the uterus. 

The so-called "pains of labor" are contractions of the mus- 
cular walls of the womb for the expulsion of the child, the 
pains, however, are due to the pressure of the child upon the 
parts and the dilatation for permitting its passage out. 

The muscular contractions brought to bear upon the child's 
head are nature's method of moulding — changing the natural 
diameters of the head making it possible for it to pass through 
the pelvis whose diameters are actually less than those of the 
head in its natural shape. Nature, always conservative, is 



416 THE MEDIC AE ADVISER. 

able to take care of the very greatest number of obstetric 
cases where no bad mal-formations of the pelvis exist, if she 
is permitted to do so, and all instrumental machinery in the 
world cannot at all approximate her in this work. Hence, an 
attendant who is not willing to wait till nature has been 
given ample chance, should be shipped out to find employment 
for which he or she is better adapted, and permit parturient 
women to fall into more humane hands for care. 

While the human body retains its present structure and 
plan of economy, entirely painless child-birth is quite nearly 
an impossibility, however much has been said and written to 
the contrary. This is not because of any curse being put upon 
woman any more than upon the females of any other animals 
— notwithstanding the blunderbus theologians have so con- 
strued the teachings of the Book called the Bible, and by such 
construction have damned the world. 

SOME ARRANGEMENTS OF THE PARTURIENT 
WOMAN'S ROOM. 

The room occupied by the parturient woman should, if 
possible, be located on the south side of the residence, or have 
exposure to the sun, south, and windows, or door and window 
so located that they may be opened to pass a current of air 
through, for cleansing purposes, without the current passing 
immediately upon the patient. The bed should be so placed 
that attendants may have convenient access on either side of 
it, and, also, placed so that the glare of light does not fall 
directly upon the patient's face. The light used in the room at 
night must be well shaded, or the lamp chimney smoked well 
on the side next to the patient. Indiscretion by neglecting to 
modify the tone of the light at this time lays the foundation 
for an immense amount of disturbance to the eyes of both 
mother and child, and frequently permanent injury. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 417 

Only draperies of necessary utility are permissible in the 
room furnishings ; rugs or strips of carpet, placed where walk- 
ing must be done to prevent noise, are the suitable dressing for 
the floor. ^ These may be thrown out every day, and freshened 
by removing the dust from them and airing. The dust may be 
wiped from the floor with a mop or cloth moistened with hot 
water, but sweeping should not be done while the patient must 
confine to the bed, if it can be avoided. There should always 
be a stove in the room, or means for warmth, a small oil stove 
in the summer, and one that a sensible fire may be in during 
the winter. In summer, especially if there is chill or damp, 
there should be a small heat at the stove all night, and suffi- 
cient heat during the whole twenty-four hours in the winter. 
This provides a suitable warmth in which to handle baby, and 
is a better preventive from belly-ache and squalling on the part 
of the baby than all the medicines in existence. There need be 
no high degree of heat, it can be modified as needed. These 
little creatures come from a warm climate, and to swat these 
little ones about in chill air as commonly done, it is no won- 
der that there is a squally time in the house when there is a 
new baby. 

There should be a chair placed near the bed for the ob- 
stetrician. Convenient must be a wash basin, towels, castile 
soap, a pair of scissors, ajar of pure vaseline; and a ewer of 
warm water should also be in the room. 

In addition to the above there should be ready in the room 
two tables, one of usual height, and one small and about the 
height of an ordinary dining room chair seat. This small one 
serves for placing articles on when bathing and dressing baby. 
Abundant use will be made of the other one for placing articles 
on that no other means meet the requirements. 



418 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A slop jar, or pail, should be in the room. 

Two agate or granite wash basins — three are better. 

Half a dozen towels. These may be those that have near 
served their original purpose — may be worn. Various purposes 
will be found for these, as by the attendant obstetrician for 
wiping the hands when caring for the mother and babe imme- 
diately after its advent into the world. 

These should be placed in readiness: 

Half a dozen bath towels, or Turkish towels. These for 
usual purposes. 

A piece of cloth three by five inches for dressing in^ cord. 

In an experience of now over a quarter of a century I have 
seen the best results from using a piece of clean, w v *:e, old 
worn cloth, such material as is used for pillow casing Or sheet- 
ing, or other such fabric. It is soft, causes no irritation, and 
does not adhere to the parts as cotton, linoline and other such 
fabrics do and, in addition, many of which contain irritating 
factors introduced into them under the presumption of antisep- 
tics, instead of which effect they are injurious. 

Four pieces of cord, each about four inches long. This pro- 
vides in case one or two should be soiled or something unfit- 
ting it for use should happen. (The grocery man's white wrap- 
ping twine serves better than any of the clamps, tapes or other 
paraphernalia that I have found.) This provision is for Wing 
the cord. 

Great economy may be exei*cised in preparing mats or ab- 
sorbents to use under the patient by placing newspapers be- 
tween cloths and tacking them here and there. This is worthy 
of notice where economy is a necessity. These cloths may have 
served their original purpose in the capacit}' of sheets, 
pillow cases, or other fabrics. Have them well cleansed. These 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 419 

are inexpensive and may be burned, and thus much unpleasant 
washing dispensed with. 

It is a piece of inexcusable negligence for a woman to per- 
mit herself to enter upon the ordeal of child-birth without 
appropriate preparation for comfortable and cleanly care of 
herself. I have been many times disgusted at the neglect of 
preparations for these occasions. There are nine months in 
which to gather up preparations for this event, and suitable 
preparations for comfort and cleanliness should be made. 

It is not necessary that these preparations of necessity be 
of exper s i fabrics ; it is rather intelligent that these prep- 
arations uf necessity be not over-done in the matter of ex- 
pense. ^ . 

PRi^ ^RATIONS FOR CONFINEMENT.-AND SOME 
NECESSARY ATTENTIONS. 

When it is evident that labor is at hand, the patient's body 
should be sponged-bathed, using very warm water. The hair 
should be braided. This prevents tangling. The hair should 
be brushed back and not combed till the fifth day after the 
birth of the child. 

A woolen gown (no matter what season of the year), 
made to button its full length in front, and to reach only to 
the hips, should be put on the patient. This constitutes all 
the apparel she must wear during labor. She can wear her 
wrapper over her gown till she must keep in bed, when the 
wrapper must be removed. 

Dressed in a gown as above described there is comfort and 
freedom of motion, and, such a gown is easily removed with- 
out worrying the patient. The gown being of woolen material 
prevents chill. It may be of light woolen material for summer, 
and of heavier fabric for cooler weather. 



420 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PREPARATION OF THE BED. 

Place the obstetric sheet over the mattress, and with large 
safety pins, pin it to the mattress across the end at the head 
and down each side. Place upon this in position to reach from 
the shoulders to the knees, two of the mats. 

Place the pillow, or pillows at the head of the bed, and 
adjust to suit the comfort of the patient. 

Place over the bed an all wool blanket. A blanket is light 
of weight yet warm, clings about the patient comfortably, and 
does not burden and weary the patient. 

A comforter may be at hand, though additional coverings 
will not be needed, if the room is kept at the proper degree of 
warmth, till after the birth of the child, when the bed is being 
re-dressed for cleanliness and comfort. 

POSITION OF, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WOMAN 

IN LABOR. 

The practice of permitting an attendant at each side of the 
patient's hands, as is usually done, is not advisable. If the 
patient can clasp her own hands together, letting them rest 
at the waist line, it is better. Otherwise, the care that worries 
the patient the least is for the obstetrician to be seated on the 
side of the bed, and when the patient must have hold of a 
support to her hands, let her grasp with her right hand, the 
left hand of the obstetrician, and with the other, the hand of 
an assistant — both hands being equally supported, but not 
pulled. 

The best position for the patient is on the back. She need 
not confine to this position till the second stage of labor is 
well advancing, when the position most favorable is on her 
back, and when the expulsive efforts are on, permit the knees 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 421 

to be flexed well up toward the chest, especially is this true 
when the head is being born. 

PARTURITION, OR LABOR. 

While this ordeal cannot be made entirely painless, it may 
be made much more bearable than it is under much of the 
present treatment. 

The writer attended one case in which there -was but "one 

pain," this one pain remaining from the end of the first stage 

of labor, to the expulsion of both the child and the placenta. 

It was followed by the severest attack of rigors the writer 

ever witnessed. 

Those cases in which the different degrees of progress de- 
liberates, conditions conform more suited to the requirements 
and are decidedly safer, and time sufficient should always be 
peimitted. 

When labor comes on the patient should not immediately 
confine to bed, she may walk around awhile, and sit. 

At the early beginning, pains occur at long intervals, oc- 
curring more frequent and more energetic as labor advances. 

The "bag of waters" consists of the covering of the fetus, or 
child, and the liquor amnii, which serves to protect the child 
during gestation and to lubricate the passage-way during the 
passage of it in birth. 

When the liquor amnii, or "waters" escape before the os 
uteri is well dilated, the labor is rendered more tedious from 
the parts not being freely lubricated. Occasionally there is but 
little of the water eseapes before the birth of the child, the 
greater quantity coming after it; when this is the case, it has 
sometimes been thought that excessive hemorrhage had taken 
place. 



422 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

THE SECOND STAGE OF LABOR. 

After the rupture of the membranes there is usually a few 
moments rest. The pains then become more energetic or force- 
ful, and at nearer intervals; tremors, or shakings of the body 
as if severely chilled, frequently manifest (this tremor or shak- 
ing, is due to the powerful efforts of expulsion, and indicate 
that labor is nearing completion), following this the patient 
thinks that she is "completely given out and can do no more;" 
this is indicative, really, that conditions are favorable, rather 
than unfavorable, as has been supposed by many; this feeling 
is due to the relaxed condition of these parts engaged in the 
function, and which relaxation is necessary to permit the pas- 
sage of the child. The head of the child will now be found ap- 
pearing and near passage, or being born, and now it is that 
the attendant must kindly encourage the patient to favor the 
expulsive efforts, and permitting it by accommodating her po- 
sition most favorable for it. 

It is now the mother must make "bearings down" with the 
pains, which she can now do with good results. (The writer is of 
the opinion that effort put forth by the mother before this time 
is fruitless of being helpful, and is injurious instead.) 
When the head is born a moment's rest is followed by another 
pain which expels the body of the child, when the mother must 
assume the restive again — not talking, and keeping still. The 
attendant now has a full hand, for an eye must be kept to the 
face of the patient to see if she is rallying from the exhaustion 
or succumbing, and the new-born's mouth must be cleaned of 
mucous or phlegm that may be in it, attention given that it 
breathe freely, and, the tying and cutting of the cord is soon 
in order. The second stage of labor if now completed. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 423 

THE CONDUCT OF THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR. 

Immediately after the expulsion of, or the birth of the child, 
place the patient in as comfortable position as possible — fold- 
ing the arms and extending the legs, and permit no more 
talking than is absolutely necessary. This permits of rest and 
the parts collecting their energies for the completion of their 
work — the expulsion of the placenta, or after-birth, as it is 
sometimes called. This is called the third stage of labor, and 
embraces the expulsion of the placenta and membranes and the 
contractions of the muscles of the womb by whJch that organ 
returns to its normal condition. The same natural forces that 
accomplish the former stages of labor, accomplish this — the con- 
tracting of the uterine muscles, aided somewhat by the action 
of the vaginal and abdominal muscles. 

Usually but a few minutes pass till renewed expulsive efforts 
appear and the placenta is expelled, but occasionally a few 
hours may pass ; it is not best to hurry, as too much hurry is 
fraught with mischief. This time is occupied by the womb in 
contracting and reducing its dimensions — preparing for the ex- 
pulsion of the placenta. 

TYING AND CUTTING THE CORD. 

A few have advocated that it is unnecessary to tie or dress 
the cord, but should nature be able to perform all the care nec- 
essary for healing this wound, if left wholly alone, and which 
doubtless nature is as able to do in the human family as she 
is in the lower animals, certainly a regard for decency would 
demand necessary attention for cleanliness. But sufficient reli- 
able evidence that nature in the human family will properly 
perform this cure unassisted is not obtainable, from the infor- 
mation we have at the present time. I would always tie and 
dress the cord. 



<* 



424 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Sufficient time must be waited till the child has breathed 
freely and given several squalls — given reasonable evidence that 
breathing is well established. (When breathing is well estab- 
lished pulsation ceases in the cord.) Then tie the cord firmly 
about an inch or an inch and a half from the body of the 
child, and then tie the cord in a second place two inches far- 
ther on from the first tie, and with a pair of scissors divide the 
cord. 

When the cord has been tied and severed, permit the cut 
end of the umbilical cord to empty of blood, before dressing it. 
Great care must be exercised especially if the cord is large — or 
thick, to tie the cord sufficiently firm. 

The cord is of use as a guide in delivering the placenta, 
and is not to be pulled on. If the placenta does not easily 
come, the patient may clasp her hands together over her 
mouth and blow in them. By giving a little time the placenta 
usually removes without much artificial aid, in cases of de- 
livery at full time. If it is not expelled by the above methods, 
the attendant may watch the expulsive efforts and at the 
proper time, may follow the cord to the vagina with the hand, 
when by introducing the fingers, the placenta will probably be 
found presenting in the vagina, then if the presenting part is 
simply held a moment, it will expel. Or, in more obstinate 
cases, introduce the hand, and with a very gentle sweeping or 
gliding motion, slowly close the hand around and over the 
placenta, when an effort at expulsion will follow, when the 
hand must withdraw with the expulsive effort, and the 
placenta, will be found disposing to follow. 

After the placenta is expelled, a rest of a few minutes given, 
the hand must be very gently introduced to remove any large 
blood clots that may be found, and also to ascertain if there 
are shreds of the membranes remaining attached, which is 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 425 

sometimes the case. If shreds of membrane are found attached 
and they do not easily remove, do not worry with them, but 
let them alone for the time. After the patient has been 
cleansed, her clothing and bed put in proper condition, and 
she has taken a cup of hot tea, give the following, and the 
shreds of membrane will expel in from six to thirty-six hours : 
Add one teaspoonful of macrotys to four ounces of water, and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture every four hours during the 
day while the patient is awake, till the shreds are found to 
expel, which is usually done in from six to eight hours. 

When the placenta has been expelled, the hand of the at- 
tendant should be spread out on the lower part of the abdomen 
over the region of the womb, and gentle pressure made by 
bringing the hand in a closing and opening form, when the 
womb will be found contracting — assuming a hard, ball-like 
form under the hand and pains will cease, when the hand may 
be removed. 

Then the protecting mat immediately beneath the patient, 
together with the wastage and the placenta, must be removed 
from the room and burned. All other soiled pieces must be re- 
moved from the room also, and should be placed in water pre- 
paratory to washing them. A dry protector or mat must be 
placed under the patient when the soiled ones are removed, for 
her comfort, that she may not chill; and when she has rested 
twenty or thirty minutes more, or longer if much exhausted, 
then the entire body must be sponged with hot water and soap , 
beginning with the face, continue to the waist line, cover this 
part of the body and proceed to wash the parts to the knees, 
observing to thoroughly cleanse the parts about the vagina 
and surroundings, rinsing these parts with clear water hot as 
can be borne; the hot water removes swellings and bruises 
and favors restoration to normal the economy of the parts. A 



426 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

protector, or mat, five inches wide by sixteen inches long, half 
its length moistened with spirits of camphor one part and 
water twenty parts, and a little vaseline, castor oil or lard 
mixed and added over the mat, the moist end placed over the 
mouth of the vagina and covered with the dry end and confined 
in place by a napkin pinned on the patient as one is pinned on 
an infant (if a Victoria or some other means of securing the 
absorbent mat is not at hand) places the woman in comfort. 
A woolen cloth, also moistened with the above named water, 
may be placed over the lower part of the abdomen. This re- 
moves soreness, gives tone to the flagging, flaccid abdominal 
muscles and parts. 

Adjust a bandage, or binder as it is usually called, around 
the patient, extending from the short ribs to well over the hips, 
making it sufficiently firm. The bandage is essential in relieving 
that feeling as if the parts would not remain together — gives 
comfort and support to the lax, pendulous and over-stretched 
abdominal walls and favors a return to normal contour, and 
also aids in preventing excessive hemorrhage. The bandage 
must be so adjusted that pressure may be uniform and suffi- 
ciently firm to give a feeling of comfortable support, which can 
best be distinguished by the patient. 

Thus prepared the patient feels a sense of comfort and may 
then move or turn to rest her body without danger of soiling 
either the bed furnishings or her body. Sponge the remainder 
of the body of the patient and permit her to take position on 
her back or side, as best suits her to rest, and if she desires to 
go to sleep let her do so. If the absorbent mats or protectors 
were properly and sufficiently placed the bed linens are un- 
stained and need not be changed till the third day, then each 
third day thereafter. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 427 

For directions for the first wash for the new babe, see else- 
where in this book. 

LABOR IN CASES OF TWINS. 
In cases of twins the labor progresses about as when there 
is but one child, and about the same management must be ex- 
ercised. When a child is born, tie and cut the cord, and have 
the child wrapped up and placed in comfort, and attend to the 
birth of the next, which usually soon follows the birth of the 
first. The placenta, or placentas, does not usually expel till 
after the birth of the last child. There may be but one placenta, 
or there may be as many as there are children. The writer 
has delivered but one pair of twins ; in this case the two cords 
were both attached to one placenta. Some other physicians 
have reported finding two placentas in cases of twins. Inspec- 
tion of the placenta must be made to learn the situation, and 
attention made accordingly. 

RESUSCITATING THE APPARENTLY STILL-BORN. 

Introduce the finger into the infant's mouth and remove 
any mucous or phlegm that may fill it. Hold the child up by 
the feet, with head down, and raise and lower the arms par- 
allel with the head, or simply lifting the child up by the feet, 
letting its head remain down for a moment, brings breathing 
in some cases. Placing the finger on the child's tongue and 
pressing it down restores breathing in some cases. Traction 
on the tongue — bringing the tongue forward and shoving it 
back, is recommended. Also, putting the child in warm water. 

ADDITIONAL CARE OF THE PARTURIENT WOMAN. 
After nine months' pregnancy there is always much de- 
rangement of the economy of the body. The circulation has 
had to perform double duty, and was interferred with in per- 
fectly effecting its work, by the mechanical obstruction of the 



428 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

child; the secretory and excretory functions have also been 
disabled to some extent, leaving the mother more or less loaded 
down with effete materials which have gradually accumulated. 
By briskly establishing the secretory and excretory actions, 
perfect circulation manifests, the equilibrium restores, and res- 
toration to normal results ; to insure a prompt restoration 
and to guard against septic infection (blood-poison — child-bed 
fever, milk-leg, puerperal fever and erysipelas), a prompt estab- 
lishment of the secretory and excretory functions must be 
obtained. This must be effected by awakening the liver to do 
its work. 

For securing the above actions there is nothing better 
than the capsules or powders named in this book. 
Or the following: Take cascara aromatic, one ounce; 
simple syrup and glycerine of each, three ounces; tincture 
of buchu, one ounce ; and podophyllin, two grains. Mix, and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture every night, for three nights, 
then every third or fourth night for two weeks. If the alvine 
and urinary excretions are sluggish, a teaspoonsful of the above 
mixture may be given every three hours till free alvine action 
is obtained; or a capsule or a powder, may be given with the 
same frequency as the cascara mixture. The giving of this 
medicine, should be begun about eight or twelve hours after the 
birth of the child. 

In fact, there are exceedingly few cases met but that it is 
decidedly for the best welfare of the mother (and infant, also), 
to begin in twelve or twenty-four hours after the birth of the 
child, and take a teaspoonful of the above mixture containing 
cascara and podophyllin every four hours, till free alvine de- 
jections are seen, and then take a dose every fourth or sixth 
night for two or three weeks. Or, the capsules (see remedies 
in this book), or the powder without putting in the capsules, 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 429 

may be taken with the same frequency as above, till the above 
effect is seen. 

The writer has given a dose of the anti-bilious physic with 
good results, in some cases. 

By observing these instructions, blood-poison, child-bed 
fever, puerperal fever, milk-leg, erysipelas, and convulsions, will 
be avoided. 

Urination takes place usually in about twelve to fourteen 
hours ; when, however, it does not, woolen mats, or woolen 
cloths, three or four thicknesses, squeezed from hot water and 
placed over the region of the bladder and its mouth, repeating 
the application several times will usually induce it. Or, a piece 
of heavy brown wrapping paper wet with spirits of camphor, 
and laid over the region of the bladder, seldom fails to induce 
urination. In many cases an injection of hot water into the 
rectum, will cause urination. Occasionally the catheter must 
be used, though it is very rare. 

Add a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa, to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture three time a day 
for the first seven or eight davs. 

The mother must be liberally provided with agreeable, 
nutritious foods, but not to the extent of engorgement. Foods 
that the mother can digest, will not hurt the child. Whiskies, 
wines, cakes, pies, pickles, and fried foods, constitute about all 
the forbidables. 

REST AFTER DELIVERY. 
After the long and taxing requirements of gestation, and 
the exhausting ordeal of delivery, or child-birth, there is exceed- 
ingly great need of rest. The parturient woman, after having 
undergone the labor, excitement, and exhaustion incident to 
confinement, manifests a feeling of great lassitude and fatigue. 
This is overcome by rest, rest that the vital energies may gather 



430 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

up their forces and promote restoration of the economy, and 
especially the uterus and associate parts, to normal condition. 
While gestation and child-birth are a function of nature, they 
are more exhausting in their nature to the economy of the body 
than any other function, and far more so than muscular or 
mental labor. 

After the birth of the child, the uterus is large and flabby, 
its supporting parts relaxed, soft and yielding. The placental 
cite is a surface to heal, and the vaginal orifice and other parts 
of the obstetrical canal frequently exhibit open wounds of 
greater or less severity, nearly all of which nature will heal if 
permitted to do so. But the processes of regeneration of these 
injuries, require much more time than is usually permitted them. 
Less than two months rest, the greater part of which must be 
taken in the recumbent position, effects comparatively little 
progress towards restoration. And when the ordeal of gesta- 
tion and child-birth must be followed by nursing the child, 
engaging in undue muscular labor, and night's rest broken as 
is usually the case of the mother, she enters upon an invalid 
life, its end the grave, near in sight. The nursing mother 
should not engage unduly in muscular labor, and plentiful of 
undisturbed sleep in nature's time — night, should be taken. The 
child can be very early taught to take its nurse at about nine 
o'clock at night and be satisfied to abstain from nursing until 
^.vq o'clock in the morning. By this habit the child gets a rest, 
its stomach gets a rest, mother gets a rest, everybody else gets 
a rest, and all feel better. 

ATTENTION TO THE BREASTS. 

If proper attention to the care of the breasts is given an 

immense amount of unnecessary suffering is obviated. Usually 

the breasts become filled with milk about the third day, and 

frequently the babe takes comparatively little of it, necessita- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 431 

ting removing it by other means, and it must be removed or 
great suffering will ensue and perhaps permanent injury to the 
breast. 

The best method for removing the milk from the breasts is 
for the mother to milk it out with her index finger and thumb, 
which she can easily do. A portion must be removed morning, 
noon and evening. To this neglect of removing the milk is due 
much of the long trouble that follows, as general fever, in- 
flamed mammary glands and perhaps pus formation. The milk 
must be kept removed. The writer does not approve of using 
breast pumps as a rule, but if one must be used, of those I am 
familiar with I prefer Black's Automatic breast pump. 

If, after the tension of the breasts have been relieved by 
milking out the milk, there yet remains undue hardness and 
pain, apply the following pomade: Take half of a teacupful of 
pure hog's lard ; camphor gum, two ounces ; spirits of turpen- 
tine, half an ounce. Mix the lard and camphor gum by gentle 
heat, remove from the fire, permit it to cool a little, then add 
the turpentine and stir to mix well. Apply this with a woolen 
mat or rag, hot, once or twice a day. This attention must be 
continued till the child takes all the milk. If it is necessary 
to stop the flow of milk, continue the use of the above pomade 
and milk out a portion of the milk daily. It will soon cease 
to appear. The writer has used the above care and treat- 
ments during the years she has treated the sick and has never 
had one case of "bealed" or "caked" breasts among her own 
cases. 

In treating the breasts after the abnormality has been per- 
mitted to continue till pus is forming, it is a more prolonged 
and tedious task, and the suffering is great and very pros- 
trating. It is best not to wait till caked breasts develop, 
but exercise intelligence by using the care and treatment to 



432 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

prevent it. You know that if the breasts get full of milk it 
must be removed or cause trouble. When the caked condition 
has manifested, add two drachms of each of oil of cajaput, oil 
of cedar, oil of peppermint and olive oil to the above pomade 
and mix it well and apply it freely three or four times daily. 

Add fifteen drops of phytolacca to four ounces of water and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture three or four times a day. 
If pus is evidently forming this remedy is not efficient. Also, 
the following greatly aids in removing the inflammation: Take 
polymnia uvedalia, one-half a drachm ; water and glycerine, of 
each two ounces. Mix. Give a teaspoonful of the mixture at 
ten o'clock A. M. and four P. M. each day. Both of these 
remedies greatly influence the reduction of inflammatory pro- 
cesses in the glands located in any part of the body. The yelks 
of eggs and salt mixed and applied to the breasts has been 
recommended and is doubtless good. 

In these cases there is usually much aching in the breasts 
and parts. Fluid extract of bryonia, ten drops added to four 
ounces of water, and a teaspoonful given every hour till four 
doses are taken, then every three hours during the day, not 
only alleviates the suffering, but ameliorates all the severities 
of the condition. 

OBSERVATIONS FOR THE NURSING MOTHER. 

Prolonged lactation brings in its train imperfect nourish- 
ment of the infant, debility, anaemia, and pallor of the mother. 
When this presents the injurious consequences of over-nursing 
are commenced. The mother feels a peculiar sinking sensation, 
feels exhausted and nervous, for hours after the child has 
nursed; the milk becomes scanty, is with difficulty secreted, 
and without long intervals a fresh supply does not appear. 

The nursing mother should be continually well fed and not 
over worked, the child should not be permitted to nurse at 
night, and the mother should have her night's rest undisturbed. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 433 

Some mothers have had to nurse the babe unduly long, as a 
species of economy, because of suitable food not being provided 
for the child. This should not be so. 

The babe should not nurse longer than one year, and before 
the mother endures the taxings of another gestation she should 
be permitted two years after weaning the child, for mental 
and physical recuperation. Before this the mother is unfit for 
bringing another being into life. Without this rest her nervous 
system is in a perturbed condition, and her mentality depressed, 
from the long train of delicate cares and responsibilities of 
caring for the helpless being which she has had to lift, handle 
and carry, and in which she has had to search out its ail- 
ments, needs, and distresses from presenting symptoms with- 
out one word of help from the little bundle of helpless 
humanity. 

THOSE VISITORS. 

There is no doubt in the writer's mind that not a few bad 
gettings up from confinement has largely for their cause too 
much, talking. It is astonishing how much entertaining the 
sick are expected to do. When people are sick they need rest. 
There is no fever with which the writer is familiar that will 
wear out the sick so rapidly as talking and hearing talk, and 
in no sickness is this more certainly true than in child-birth. 
The mother should do no more talking than is absolutely nec- 
essary in directing attentions to care and making wants 
known, for the first month, at least. Friends enquiring re- 
garding the patient's convalescence and leaving a card without 
seeing her is sufficient for the first month. If this rule is ob- 
served a much better recovery will be obtained, and much of 
the long weaknesses following so many cases will be much 
shortened, or be more nearly absent. 
15- 



434 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Bichloride of mercury, carbolic acid, and other similar 
preparations, used by many presumably as disinfectants, are 
dangerous poisons, and introduced to open wounds are read- 
ily absorbed into the system, acting as poisons taken in any 
other way. In the opinion of the writer, it is much wiser to 
discard them for something safer. Cleanliness of the system 
within and without is the safe antiseptic. 

PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. 

Parturient women of every age may be attacked with con- 
vulsions, if causes exist to produce them. The causes are 
various. Prolonged constipation, inactivity of the kidneys, and 
consequent general morbidness of the woman ; this may be 
very greatly augmented by excessive sexual intercourse which 
has kept her nervous system under a prolonged strain of ex- 
citement till prostration has resulted, which is sometimes the 
case ; also, manv cases of convulsions in first confinements 
especially are consequent from fright caused by spread-eagle, 
blather-skite species of attendants who to make it appear that 
his or her special services are of so much importance, say 
all sorts of diagustingly out-landish stuff. When death results 
in cases of convulsion at this time, it is from exhaustion and 
shock, usually. 

In an obstetrical experience of more than a quarter of a 
century the writer has never met a case of puerperal convul- 
sions among patients that she was the first physician called, 
thus having the full management of the case. The cases that 
she has been called to treat was first in other hands. My 
husband, Dr. Joseph Cobb, whose experience reached more than 
fifty years, never met a case of puerperal convulsions among 
his own patients, neither before, during, nor after confinement, 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 435 

and he was favored with an unusually large share of 
obstetric practice. 

The writer notes some doctors whose territory is limited 
and therefore the number of cases not large, who reported 
twenty-five cases of convulsions, twenty-two cases of deliveries 
with forceps, and various other mal-haps in an experience of 
five years. The doctor who has had such success in manu- 
facturing so much dangerous torture to his confiding victims, 
should with even mildly decent respect for science (?) even if 
he had no pity for the suffering, withdraw to some other 
vocation. It is a matter deserving of some notice and study 
that it is a peculiar trait of some doctors that all of their 
cases are marvelously bad ones. There are many most ex- 
cellent, patient, and pains-taking doctors, while there are many 
who have mistaken the vocation for which they are by nature 
fitted. 

While the convulsion is on, nothing can be done but to place 
the patient in as comfortable position as possible, and prevent 
her from biting her tongue, or otherwise injuring herself. 

When the convulsion has subsided, the writer has seen the 
best and quickest results follow the taking of a full dose of the 
anti-bilious physic (see remedies in this book). Pulsatilla, five 
drops, added to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful given 
every thirty minutes till relief is manifesting, then lengthening 
the time as the symptomatic appearances disperse, frequently 
modifies the condition. Also, five drops of tincture of aconite, 
and five drops of tincture of nux vomica, added to four ounces 
of water. A teaspoonful of this mixture given every ten to 
thirty minutes, produces quiet and progresses toward recovery. 
But it is rare that other medication is necessary after the anti- 
bilious physic has been given and a urinary and alvine response 
has been obtained. 



436 THE MEDICAL ADVISEE. 

If the convulsion manifests a disposition to prolong, the 
following injection per rectum may be used, it rarely failing to 
give relief: Take tincture of capsicum, ten drops ; tincture of 
lobelia, fifteen drops; water a quart. Mix. One-third of this 
quantity may be used at one time. In half an hour another 
third may be used, and the remainder in another half hour, if 
relief is not promising. 

The above treatment is suitable whether the convulsion 
manifested before labor has begun, during labor or after the 
birth of the child. 

It is exceedingly rare that it is advisable to give chloro- 
form in these cases — so exceedingly rare is it necessary that 
the w r riter has not found a case that required it in all her 
years of experience. While it is true that women ask for 
chloroform, they do not know the harmful effects that follow 
its use. 

AFTER-PAINS. 
After-pains are little noticeable if the system has been pre- 
pared as directed in this book. If the system has not been 
kept clean — urinary and alvine action free, the after-pains will 
usually be severe and will harass till such action has been ob- 
tained, as a rule. A clean, dry, and comfortably warm bed 
greatly aids in preventing severe after-pains, also being kept 
quiet and not having to talk much. If alvine and urinary 
action has been sluggish, free action must be obtained to 
insure permanent relief. When this annoyance presents there 
is either great rigidity or great relaxation about these parts, 
which may be learned by placing the hand over the region of 
the womb ; if there is rigidity, there is a hard ball-like feeling 
present, and if relaxation is present, the parts are flabb}\ If 
there is rigidity present add one drachm of macrotys to four 
ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 437 

three hours till relief is obtained, which is usually obtained 
after three or four doses. A dose may be given every hour till 
three are given. Or, if a relaxed condition is present, the parts 
being found "flabby" or flaccid, add a drachm of ergotto two 
ounces of water and give a teaspoonful every three hours, or 
every hour till three doses are taken, if there is great severity, 
till relieved, which usually follows in about the same time as 
above. After-pains occasionally do not appear in first con- 
finements, but usually accompany other confinements. 

In some cases, a dose of the anti-bilious physic is the best 
first remedy to give the patient. Or, the capsules (see remedies in 
this book) may be taken, any of the mixtures containing cas- 
cara and podophyllin, may be taken, a dose every four hours 
till free actions from the bowels are seen. 

A dose of the Garfield Tea meets the requirements in some 
cases. 

THE LOCHIA. 

The discharge following labor is termed the lochia. On the 
second day it begins to decrease in quantity and change from a 
bright red the first two or three days, to a paler color till it 
is comparatively colorless. The duration of its continuance 
varies from nine to fifteen days; occasionally continuing for 
three or four weeks. When too prolonged, attention must be 
given to the condition of the general health, and also to the 
habits and care the patient may be having. Too much being 
on the feet, too early going to work, the system being poorly 
nourished, and also aggravation will induce this condition. It 
varies in quantity in different persons even when in the usual 
way of recovering, to some extent in some being more pro- 
fuse, in others scant. The condition of profuse or scantiness 
is also due in part to a peculiarity of constitution, though 



438 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

attention must be given that the condition is not due to some 
abnormal cause. Occasionally the lochia stops suddenly, too 
soon, and fever manifests. Usually hot pennyroyal tea drunk 
freely restores it to normal. 

The lochia has a peculiar odor, and about the fifth or 
seventh day the odor appears more offensive, this offensive 
odor being more or less marked in every case. 

The undue offensiveness more frequently arises from the 
general morbid condition of the system than from any local 
cause, and medicine for systemic effect is the best disperser of 
it. The mixture named in the treatment of uraemia, in this 
book, a teaspoonful given every four hours till free alvine ac- 
tion exhibits will place conditions right. The capsules (see 
remedies in this book) taken with the same frequency and du- 
ration will also serve the purpose. In cases where extensive 
offensiveness is exhibited and the bowels are disposed to slug- 
gishness I have seen most desirable results follow the taking of 
a full dose of the anti-bilious physic. 

TOO PROLONGED FLOW AFTER CHILD-BIRTH. 

If there disposes to continue too prolonged flowing, or 
wasting, after the birth of the child, there is no remedy with 
which the writer is familiar that gives better or quicker results 
than capsella. Take capsella, one drachm ; water three ounces. 
Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a aay. In severe cases 
a fourth of a teaspoonful of essence of cinnamon in the fore- 
noon and afternoon may be given with good results in addi- 
tion to the above. 

Every third to eighth night take a tablespoonful of the 
mixture containing cascara and podophyllin, directed in the 
treatment of uraemia in this book. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 439 

ANESTHETICS DURING LABOR. 

The use of anesthetics during labor is not advisable, cer- 
tainly exceedingly rare. Chloroform and morphine are effective 
poisons, and at this time the system is very susceptible, and 
there is not the least doubt but many serious results following 
labor, are due to the above medicines. 

ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS FOR PUERPERAL 

PATIENTS. 

In addition to cleanliness the writer approves of no other 
antiseptics than those directed in this work for the parturient 
patient — the keeping of her body and surroundings clean, 
the bowels and urinary canal free from accumulations, the 
giving of the chlorate of potassa as directed, and the spraying 
of the bed draperies and chamber utensils with oil of winter- 
green one part and water six parts, gives the good results 
wished for. 

VAGINAL INJECTIONS. 

Nature is supplied with sufficiencies for her needs in her 
natural plan and interference by art or science very rarely im- 
proves matters. This is especially true regarding the dressing 
and cure of the wound to the womb made in child-birth by the 
removal of the placental attachment. 

Nature's first preparator is the serous effusion and the 
douche of amniotic fluid, and after the expulsion of the child 
and placenta, the modified dressings of at first red blood, then 
serous effusion are so especially adapted to the needs that noth 
ing in neither arts or science can approximate them in this re- 
spect. Hence, interference by injections into these parts at this 
time is injurious and harmful, retards recovery, and may cause 
convulsions or death or both, and too much caution cannot be 
exercised. 



440 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

In very rare cases, those in which there appears too pro- 
longed offensive discharges, as is occasionally the case when 
shreds of the membranes have retained and are decomposing, 
the following may be used as an injection per vagina : Take a 
teaspoonful of golden seal, and pour over it a pint of boiling 
water, let stand half an hour, and then strain it or drain it off 
and add two grains of sulphate of zinc. Use this as an injec- 
tion as above directed, this quantity every other day as long 
as needed which will probably be three or four days. Very 
frequently a dose of the anti-bilious physic given will disperse 
the undue offensiveness better than anything else, and should 
be given and its action awaited before interrupting these parts 
by administering injections. 

FLOODING AFTER DELIVERY, OR POST-PARTUM 

HEMORRHAGE. 

Sometimes an undue flow or flooding occurs after delivery, 
sometimes immediately following delivery, or in two or three 
days after. When such condition appears give one-fourth of a 
teaspoonful of essence of cinnamon, in syrup, water or on sugar, 
every fifteen or thirty minutes till controlled. Three drops of 
oil of erigeron added to each dose increases its effect. Silk or 
woolen mats or rags squeezed from hot water and placed over 
the region of the womb and mouth of the vagina also are of 
great value. These cloths must be changed sufficiently frequent 
to keep them hot. Spread the hand out over the region of the 
womb and make gentle but firm pressure, thus aiding contrac- 
tion, serves in some cases. The writer has had success in some 
cases by using the injection she has prescribed in this book in 
the treatment of puerperal septicaemia. Its action is rapid and 
effective. 

Have also found cases to whom she gave a full dose of the 
anti-bilious physic, which remedy was followed by prompt re- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 441 

lief. Also have given the capsules (see remedies in this book) 
in some cases, and in others the cascara mixture, containing 
cascara and podophyllin, directed in this book in the treatment 
of uraemia. In giving either of these last named remedies, a 
dose must be given every four hours till free biliary alvine de- 
jections are seen to appear. 

Cases requiring the above remedies will be found to be those 
whose systems are in morbid condition; the breath of the pa- 
tient is loaded with offensive odor, also the stools and urine 
give off offensive, feverish odors, and the skin and the white of 
the eyes are of a dirty yellowish, ashen stain. These remedies 
should be given and their action awaited before administering 
injections, when it will generally be found that the injections 
are unnecessary. 

These remedies cleanse the system within, which is the 
needed condition, and lends tone, thus assisting to recovery. 

The above treatments have never failed to result success- 
fully in the writer's hands. 

Flooding is always dangerous, and prompt attention must 
always be given. The patient must be kept still and not talk. 
The above remedies should be provided before confinement is at 
hand, as it can not be foretold in what case this condition may 
develope, requiring their use. They are emergency remedies and 
should be at hand. Hemorrhage snips life out very quickly, 
especially at this time. Hence time must not be lost. A phys- 
ician should be called, but do not wait, as life may snip out 
before one can arrive. Any one can use these remedies and 
means and they are reliable. 

DELIRIUM. 

Delirium manifesting during or following labor may be due 
to the system being overloaded with morbid matters, to some 



442 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

medicines that may have been given, as morphine or chloro- 
form, or it may be consequent upon prolonged nerve-strain and 
injury from use of forceps, or it may be due to septicaemia, or 
to suppression of the lochia. 

Hot water applied to the spinal column, a hot water 
sitz-bath, or a hot water injection per rectum should be given. 
To a pint of the water used add ten drops of tincture 
of lobelia and five drops of tincture of capsicum, and half 
of an ounce of glycerine. This gives speedy relief usually. The 
hot water may be used alone with good results. A dose 
of the anti-bilious physic starts the patient on the surest 
and quickest road to recovery, and should be given as soon 
as the patient can swallow. In twenty -four hours after 
having given the dose of anti-bilious physic, give a capsule 
(see remedies in this book) every other night till three to 
five doses are taken. Any of the cascara mixtures which 
contain podophyllin, named in this book, may be given in place 
of the capsules. 

After immediate relief is obtained these last directed treat- 
ments should be given to prevent its return. 

VOMITING DURING PARTURITION. 
Vomiting when parturition is in progress is not to be 
looked upon with alarm except v^hen it continues till exhaus- 
tion is threatened, which is very rare; vomiting occurs in 
many cases when the os uteri begins to dilate and progress 
is advanced toward completion of labor; and especially may 
vomiting be looked for if the stomach had been recently filled 
with food, if the bowels were constipated, or if the patient 
was bilious. Usually when the stomach has emptied, the 
vomiting or desire to vomit ceases. When there appears to be 
no more abnormal matters in the stomach, which may be dis- 
cerned by that which arises, usually a few sups of hot water 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 443 

or hot tea will stop the disposition to vomit. Occasionally 
the nausea will not disappear till labor is completed. 

RIGIDITY OF THE OS UTERI. 

Rigidity of the os uteri in parturition is generally best and 
safest modified by a hot water sitz-bath, this alone frequently 
giving the desired condition. A full dose of the anti-bilious 
plrysic administered, is a next best remedy — is frequently the 
first best remedy ; about two hours and a half must be allowed 
for its action. If the above does not remove the rigidity, ad- 
minister the following: Take macrotys, a drachm; and water, 
four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
twenty or thirty minutes, or in milder cases, every hour. The 
above will be found to meet requirements. 

SLOWNESS OR RAPIDITY OF LABOR. 

Some women pass through the ordeal of giving birth to a 
child much more quickly than others. This is due to various 
causes — and even to many causes unalterable. Women of close 
firm build, and solid texture of bodily structure, will occupy 
longer time accomplishing this ordeal; because of this very 
condition, relaxation or yielding of any part of the system to 
the relaxed and pliable condition necessary for this function to 
perform, takes place very slowly. A lymphatic temperament 
will pass through the ordeal in shorter time than the above 
case; the vital energies are of much feebler standard, hence there 
is already a relaxed condition, or a condition of but little 
resistance. 

A patient of feeble and run down health generally, the 
labor is also modified proportionately. 

A patient whose system is stuffed full of filth throughout, 
full of pent-up effete materials that should have been kept ex- 
creted from the body, and whose body has been kept continu- 



444 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ally excited, will suffer proportionately in the ordeal of child- 
birth; these are the ones who have puerperal convulsions, bad 
gettings up and cross babies. The woman who has not taken 
sufficient muscular exercise to aid the system to rid itself of its 
detritus, will also suffer proportionately, as also she who has 
failed to evacuate the bowels and urinary canal before engag- 
ing in the ordeal of labor. 

Good command of common sense is a first necessary quali- 
fication of the attendant, and willingness to give the patient 
sufficient time. An attendant who has not these qualifications 
should not be employed. 

OBSERVATION. 

"Prof. Bossi, of the Obstetrical and Gynecological Clinic, of 
Genoa, Italy, reported success in a large number of cases, of 
the use of sugar as an oxytoxic, an ounce of sugar added to 
eight ounces of water, its effects observed in thirty minutes 
after its administration, one powder usually being sufficient to 
induce the expulsion of the child. A second powder may be 
given in two hours, if needed." 

In cases where labor disposes to prolong, and the existing 
conditions show no particular reasons why birth is not com- 
pleted, being nearly accomplished, and yet not finished, prob- 
ably presents the condition to use the above remedy. The 
writer has had no opportunity to try this remedy, but sees no 
reason why it might not be tried. Its effect cannot be injuri- 
ous as many remedies that have been largely used for this pur- 
pose are. 

PUERPERAL SEPTICEMIA. (CHILD-BED FEVER.— 

BLOOD POISON.) 

Especially in the first part of the first week following the 
birth of the child there is some fever presents, usually appear- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 445 

ing about the third to the seventh day. This has been attrib- 
uted to the breasts filling up with milk, to "milk-flow," but 
truly this is a small factor in the case. The chief cause of the 
fever is septicaemia, which presents in some degree in all cases, 
though generally mild. The chief cause of the fever exhibiting 
at this time, is about the same as causes fever to manifest in 
condition of any wound. The place of the placental attach- 
ment, the attachment being broken up, leaves a wound. But 
if the woman's general health is as near normal as can be, il 
her system is not over-loaded with morbid matter — if she is 
not bilious, nature will right the condition and take care of 
the situation more safely and better than all of our knowledge 
can supply. 

Augmenting and promoting factors of both development 
and severity are, retained placenta, or portions of it, retained 
blood-clot, retained shred of membrane, any and all of which 
retentions decompose; too early ceasing of the lochia, having 
taken chloroform or morphine ; parts being lacerated, which is 
very rare, or unduly bruised, as in instrumental delivery, aug- 
mented by a morbid condition of the general health, a con- 
stipated condition of the bowels, inactivities of the kidneys — 
the biliousness, and syphilitic taint. The biliousness alone 
very frequently being the chief cause. 

The fever, which may or may not be accompanied by 
offensive odor, is the first marked symptom presenting ; this 
may be soon folio wed by delirium. Tenderness may extend all 
over the abdomen, or may be entirely absent and swelling be 
present instead, or both of these symptoms may or may not 
be present ; more or less aching of the hips, back, limbs, and 
head, or an undue lack of sensation in all parts of the body 
may present. Also, a dead, numb-like feeling appears over the 
abdomen, especially the lower part, this sensation being very 



446 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

like that experienced in a limb of the body when it is coming 
out of a sleep. Two very marked symptoms are congestion 
of the lungs and disturbance of the heart which exhibit in 
intensity in proportion to the severity of the septicaemia. 
There is usually, at least partial paralysis of the lower bowel 
as is evident from the exceedingly obstinate constipated con- 
dition of the bowels almost invariably present, sometimes so 
much so as to necessitate removal of the feces by instrumental 
means. A long slim spoon-handle-shaped instrument serves for 
this purpose, nothing else being needed. The feces are to be 
removed from the lower part of the rectum by way of its 
outlet. Any one can do this. It is exceeding rare that a case 
is found presenting this degree of feebleness. The writer has 
met but one case. Proper attention, however, to this feature 
is seldom given ; there may be some action of the bowels 
daily but not sufficient. Occasionally diarrhea exhibits, but 
more frequently one is led to conclude that those executive 
parts are paralyzed, so dormant are they. 

The best procedure in all of these cases is prevention, which 
consists in first giving a proper attention to the general health 
of the mother during gestation ; a proper preparation before 
engaging in the ordeal of child-birth (see elsewhere in this 
book); a most careful handling and care during labor; remov- 
ing the wastages, placenta, and membrane shreds, keeping the 
urinary and alvine actions free, the body and surroundings 
clean, keeping her well fed and quiet, and the milk removed 
from the breasts, and last but not least, avoid unnecessary 
curetting. 

Examination to detect such retention is necessary. A very 
slim, long, soft hand is the best instrument for this purpose. 
Shreds of membrane should not be forcibly removed ; instead 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 447 

of forcibly removing them the following should be given : Add 
half a teaspoonful of macrotys to four ounces of water, and give 
a teaspoonful of the mixture every two hours. Three or four 
doses are usually sufficient to cause them to remove. This treat- 
ment also serves when there is retained any placental parts or 
shreds. 

Alvine action must be produced. For producing this action 
the capsules (see remedies in this book) may be taken, one 
every four hours, till free alvine dejections have manifested. If 
there has dropsical swelling manifested, the following serves a 
good purpose : Take equal parts of sulphur and cream of tar- 
tar, and sugar to make palatable. Mix. Each morning a 
heaped teasponful may be given, and a capsule (same as above 
directed) taken every night, for three to five days, then every 
third to fifth day, so long as necessary. 

If there are stinking odors clinging about the patient, the 
breath, sweat, or discharges, take a teaspoonful of chlorate 
of potassa, and add it to half a glass of water, and give a 
teaspoonful of the mixture three times to twice a day. 

If the lochia has stopped too soon, drink freely of penny- 
royal tea, hot as can be supped. This usually induces its re- 
turn. 

The patient must be kept quiet and clean. The foods must 
be nutritious but over-loading the stomach must be prohibited. 

A cup of hot water supped hot as can be without burning, 
taken the first thing in the morning, and followed by taking 
the juice of an orange, is an excellent preparator favoring an 
appetite for the day. 

Oil of wintergreen, a drachm, added to a teacupful of water 
and sprayed or sprinkled about the bed draperies, and room, 
disperses bad odors, making the atmosphere of the room 
agreeable. 



448 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

In some of these cases, where there is much offensiveness of 
odors exhibiting, a first best remedy to give is a dose of the 
anti-bilious physic. 

The hot water sitz-bath is very beneficial in allaying inflam- 
mation in these cases. It should be used once a day in mild 
cases; in severe cases morning and evening. 

The liniment directed in the treatment of milk-leg, in this 
book, should be applied freely over the abdomen, especially the 
lower part, once or twice a day. 

If, after using the foregoing treatments, recovery does not 
dispose to progress, if there continue manifesting undue offen- 
siveness about the pelvic parts, administer the following injec- 
tion : Take a heaped teaspoonful of golden seal and pour on 
it a pint and a half of boiling water ; let it stand for half an 
hour where it will keep hot, then strain it and add to it two 
grains of sulphate of zinc and very carefully inject the mixture 
just into the vagina. An additional injection each day for two 
or three days is usually sufficient to cure. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

Puerperal fever, child bed fever, septicaemia, blood poison, 
"milk-leg," erysipelas and convulsions where fright has not been 
the cause, or where it is not consequent upon some obnoxious 
medicine, can, in ninety-five cases of every hundred, be avoided 
by giving the patient a thorough cleaning out from biliousness 
with the proper remedies. This cleaning out, this ''physicing" 
must be done both before labor and immediately following it. 
This treatment both prevents and removes undue accumula- 
tions, which is the cause of the above morbid conditions. 

For the purpose of keeping this cleaning done, and for re- 
moving the morbidness when it has been permitted to accumu- 
late, the anti-bilious plrysic (see remedies in this book), any of 
the mixtures containing podophyllin and cascara named in this 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 449 

book, the capsules (also see remedies in this book) and the 
Garfield Tea, are the best remedies for this purpose. 

SEPTICEMIA AND THE CURETTE. 

A few small fragments may delay in removing, but in no 
case should they be forcibly removed by either the hand or 
curette. The habit of curetting the uterus for the purpose of 
removing the above is dangerously injurious, and I condemn 
the procedure. Cleanliness must be had, yes, but do it in 
that way that conserves to the safety and bests interests to 
the welfare of the woman. 

The uterus is self-cleansing, expels the septic matters in- 
stead of absorbing them, and its discharges at this time wash 
itself— the uterus, out — cleansing it. The external parts must 
be cleansed from these discharges, there being nothing better 
for this purpose than simply hot water — hot as can be borne 
without burning. A sponge or rag is dipped in the hot water 
for washing these parts. 

If some fragment has delayed in removing, give the fol- 
lowing : Add one drachm of fluid extract of macrotys, to four 
ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of this mixture, every 
four hours. By the time three or four doses have been given, 
usually, whatever fragments may have delayed in removing, 
will be found to have expelled. 

MILK LEG.— SEPTICEMIA. 

Milk leg is an euphonious name given to a distressing mor- 
bid manifestation that exhibits in some cases after child-birth. 
From the fact that the manifestation appears about the time 
that the breasts fill with milk, or usually in about three to 
seven days after the child is born, gave rise to the belief that 
16- 



450 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the milk from the breasts found its way into the leg, or legs. 
Such a belief is erroneous. 

The cause of the manifestation is due to the morbid condi- 
tion of the general health of the woman already existing when 
the woman enters the ordeal of child-birth, and the neglect of 
proper attention to rectifying this fault, and additional neg- 
lect to place the woman's general health in the proper condi- 
tion following the ordeal of child-birth. 

The condition is septicaemia, blood poison, puerperal fever, 
or " child-bed fever," if you prefer to so call it. It may not 
markedly manifest for a month after the birth of the child, but 
this tardiness is unusual. But whether its appearance is early 
or late, its cause is the same. 

Though there is a general feeling of uncomfortableness more 
or less severe, there is marked heavy, dull pain in the lower 
part of the abdomen, in and about the groin, extending down 
inside of the thigh, and sometimes down the entire length of 
the limb, and into the foot or feet. Usually this is followed by 
more or less swellings, the pain usually then modifying to some 
extent, or it may cease, and proportionate helplessness of the 
leg or legs, or of the entire body may ensue. 

There is usually chill of more or less violence, in some cases 
extending into a rigor — severe shaking of the patient, followed 
by fever, and this may follow or precede the above manifesta- 
tion. The skin usually becomes white and glossy, and pressure 
on the part produces pain. If not properly treated it may ter- 
minate in abscess. 

Prevention is always better than having to endure long 
suffering, and a suffering with a doubtful ending, whatever 
form the suffering may manifest in. If the woman's general 
health has been kept in as good condition as possible, and she 
is given the proper care during the ordeal of child-birth and 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 451 

following it, it is exceedingly rare that this annoyance mani- 
fests. (See the articles in this book under the headings, "Ob- 
servations for the Pregnant and Puerperal Woman " and " Addi- 
tional Care of the Puerperal Woman.") 

If it has manifested, administer a sponge bath, using water 
hot as can be borne without burning. Especially give this 
bath from the waist line down, and administer it once a day 
during the severity of the sickness. To a gallon of water used, 
half an ounce of alcohol may be added. After the bath has 
been administered, the following liniment should be applied 
over the spinal column from the waist line down, and over 
the lower part of the abdomen and over the leg, or legs. Take 
spirits of camphor, tincture of arnica, turpentine, of each one 
ounce; laudanum, half an ounce; essence of peppermint, four 
ounces, and castor oil, half an ounce. Mix and shake the bot- 
tle well before applying it. 

When there is severe suffering in the limb, and there fre- 
quently is, the writer has seen quick relief immediately follow 
the application of a mustard plaster applied all over the limb 
where painful, the pain not returning and evident betterment 
exhibited. 

When the above attention has been given, then give a dose 
of the anti-bilious physic, and let the patient remain quiet. 
This remedy thoroughly and quickly removes the morbid and 
poisonous matters from the system, and with the result that 
further progress is checked, aad the patient starts to recovery. 

In twenty-four hours after taking the anti-bilious physic, 
administer an injection per vagina, using either the golden seal 
preparation directed in the treatment of leucorrhea, in this 
book, or simply hot water. This should be used every other 
day during the severity of the attack ; rarely three to five times 
being required. 



4<52 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Take fluid extract of aromatic cascara, olive oil, glycerine, 
of each one ounce ; simple syrup, two ounces ; chioanthus and 
tincture of golden seal, two drachms. Mix. Give a teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture half an hour before dinner and supper, every 
day for three to five days, then continue taking a dose from 
once a day to every third night, so long as needed. 

If the above treatment is properly followed the result will 
be recovery. 

THE INVOLUTION OF THE UTERUS. 

The process by which the uterus, or womb, returns to the 
unimpregnated size, is termed involution. In this process, the 
uterus reduces in size, resuming nearly the size and shape 
which characterized it before impregnation took place. 

Under the best of conditions this process is gradual, re- 
quiring two or three months, and in nearly every case, a longer 
time, especially if the mother is nursing the child, or is unduly 
upon her feet. 

This may seem an unnecessarily long period to those who 
have been accustomed to permitting but three or nine days 
quiet and remaining in the recumbent position, and the woman 
getting up and engaging in the increased labors of the house- 
hold economy. But it must be remembered that this organ 
and its supports have undergone a prolonged weight and ex- 
pansion, and hence are tired and somewhat weakened, and 
they not being permitted time to return to strength and 
former tone, not only deforms the woman, but by the woman's 
energies being called upon too soon in exercise on her feet and 
lifting with her arms, tends to keep them weakened and pre- 
vents reduction and return to health. Hence, I would say to 
the mother, remain in bed at least two weeks, and take the 
recumbent position for half, at least, of both the forenoon and 
afternoon each day, for two or three months. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 453 

While the mother remains in bed, she may take any posi- 
tion in lying down that she feels comfortable in, but each day 
she may take the sitting position, by assistance, from ten to 
twenty minutes, forenoon and afternoon, or at least once a day, 
as this favors drainage from the birth-place, and prevents the 
wastage from these parts remaining so long as to become in- 
jurious and offensive. 

ABNORMAL PRESENTATIONS. 

In abnormal presentations, if attention is given before la- 
bor has progressed too far, a head or normal presentation may 
be brought about by careful external manipulation, in some 
cases. The writer has effected as much. It is done by watch- 
ing when the child recedes and then starts to make another de- 
scent, when by properly placing a hand on either side of the 
abdomen, the child can be properly directed. While this can 
be done in some cases it cannot be in every case, and it is more 
frequently best to let the birth proceed as it will. The greatest 
care must be observed and the most gentle and tender manip- 
ulation. 

BREECH PRESENTATION. 

There are comparatively few cases of breech presentation, 
though they are occasionally met. When breech presentation 
is evident, do not attempt to change the position, as such pro- 
cedure almost always results for the worst. Encourage the 
woman to be patient as possible, and let the birth proceed, 
watching constantly the progress made, and when advancement 
is so far made that the feet are nearing readiness to expel, very 
gently assist while the pain is on, by very gently bringing 
down one foot — the other foot usually immediately follows the 
first. The arms are usually found extended upward along-side 
of the head ; one arm may be very gently brought down while 



454 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

an expulsive effort is being made by the mother — while a pain 
or expulsive effort is on, but it is decidedly advisable to let the 
other arm remain and come with the head, as it assists in the 
birth of the head in that it prevents contraction of the os uteri 
over the head around the neck, which, when this takes place, 
expulsion of the head is much more difficult — in fact is exceed- 
ingly difficult. This is the writer's mode of procedure, by which 
she obtained good results. In all these procedures the greatest 
caution must be exercised. 

Occasionally the feet and head are in position so near to- 
gether that the expulsion goes on until the entire body is born. 
Even in this position it is safest to let the birth proceed on its 
own plan, as more frequently interference is fraught with in- 
jury- 

Those cases which are sometimes met in which the entire 
body is found born, and only the head remaining unborn, the 
greatest difficulty is confronted. When this condition is pres- 
ent, gently lift the body of the child to a position sufficiently 
level with the head to prevent any hanging weight on the head. 
The occiput of the head will usually be found resting on the 
pubes and the chin on the promontory of the sacrum. The 
finger may be gently introduced along the vaginal wall next 
to the rectum till reaching the chin, pressing it gently forward 
till the finger may be placed in the mouth, when it can be 
brought down by careful manipulation, when the expulsion of 
the head is more easily effected. 

Undue haste is not admissible, and the greatest gentleness 
and care must be observed, as by haste or carelessness, rupture 
may result, or a limb of the child broken. 

TRANSVERSE PRESENTATION. 
In transverse presentation this disposition is apparent be- 
fore the second stage of labor has been long in progress. A 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 455 

careful and watchful attendant may manage to direct the pre- 
sentation aright, through the abdominal walls. By watching 
the child descend downward with the expulsive effort, the 
hands may be so placed on each side of the abdomen as to di- 
rect the proper presentation, in some cases ; yet this cannot al- 
ways be done, and when reasonable effort has been made with 
no progress it is safest to let the birth proceed as it will. 

PROTECTING THE PERINEUM. 

The most successful way to protect the perineum from lac- 
eration, is for the woman to be properly prepared for the 
ordeal of child-birth (see directions in this book), and to not 
unduly hasten labor. This is all that can be done. Any other 
meddlings about these parts is harmful. 

If a hand or foot comes down — is born first — it is safest to 
let the birth go on as it will. Attempting to force either back 
is fraught with harm. 

Attempts to cure a ruptured perineum can not be safely 
and successfully made immediately after child-birth ; from the 
necessity of the lochial flow having to pass over the wound, 
the wound cannot be kept dry and clean. It also enhances the 
danger if chloroform be given at this time. 

COMING DOWN OF THE CORD. 

Occasionally a case is met where a portion of the cord is 
passed, or born before any part of the child. The writer has 
met three cases ; in none of them was labor interfered with in 
any way, nor was the child annoyed nor in any way obstruct- 
ed, both mother and child doing all right. 

BLINDNESS. 

Blindness manifests during some labors, making its appear- 
ance as the second stage of labor advances. Especially is this 



456 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

true in hard labors, cases where the system has become unduly 
morbid furnishing our worst cases. It is generally temporary, 
gradually disappearing as recovery from shock and severe 
straining progresses. The eyes, however, are always more or 
less permanently injured — weakened from the ordeal, and addi- 
tional great injury results from the mother's eyes having to 
meet the glare of artificial light of nights in attending the 
babe, especially is this injurious after having been asleep. 
Bathing the eyes mornings and nights with hot camphorated 
water, one part spirits of camphor to ten parts water, is good. 
The mother should avoid exposing her eyes to an artificial 
light by early teaching the infant to sleep till morning without 
nursing. 

USING FORCEPS IN DELIVERIES. 
The introduction of forceps and the use of them is a hap- 
hazzard convenience with wonderful powers of destroying life 
and ruining health. The greatest element of danger lurks 
about all cases of artificial labor. Good obstetricians are ex- 
ceedingly few, especially among male physicians ; their oppor- 
tunities for gaining facts in this field are exceedingly meagre, as 
mid-wives attend by far the largest number of these cases, the 
men's knowledge consisting chiefly of theory. 

The cases requiring instrumental interference are exceedingly 
few — so few that an obstetrician may spend a long life in at- 
tending child-births and not meet two cases — and not meet one 
case. 

No obstetrician has a right for his or her own selfish ends 
and financial increase, to hasten the termination of child-birth 
by taking undue advantage of a woman because she implores 
to have her sufferings ended, thus unhesitatingly jeopardizing, 
and perchance sacrificing the woman's future health by the use 
of the dangerous forceps under the false promise of "timely as- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 457 

sistance," when in true wisdom and mercy the attendant 
should have saved the patient from prolonged suffering by 
properly directing her and encouraging her in this intense 
suffering. 

THREATENED MISCARRIAGE. 

When conditions present threatening miscarriage the patient 
should take the recumbent position, remain quiet and send for 
a physician. 

If hemorrhage manifests, essence of cinnamon, one-fourth of 
a teaspoonful, and oil of erigeron, five drops. Mix and take it 
on sugar or in syrup. A dose may be given every twenty min- 
utes if severity is great, lengthening the time as betterment 
ensues. 

Also, in conditions of the same manifestation, the following 
has proved effective in some cases. Take tincture of aconite, 
five drops; ipecac, five drops; water, four ounces. Mix. A 
teaspoonful of the mixture may be given every fifteen minutes, 
lengthening the time of giving as betterment ensues. 

MISCARRIAGES AND ABORTIONS. 

Miscarriages and abortions do not properly come under the 
subject of child-birth or confinement proper, and can not be 
treated of under the subject of confinement, but must be treated 
of under their own headings. The writer notes that this plan 
is so used by eminent writers, and so spoken of by educated 
physicians, and it has been the custom of the writer to so con- 
sider and speak of these conditions. 

While it is true that in either and both of these manifesta- 
tions pregnancy exists, the manifestations are morbid, and the 
management requires somewhat different attentions from the 
cases of confinement proper. 



458 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

When either of these manifestations is threatened or exhib- 
its the patient should take the recumbent position, remain 
quiet, and a skillful physician should be called. 

Cases of this nature present manifestations and peculiarities 
peculiar to each case, and the care that might be necessary 
can not be directed in a work of this scope. 

Some cases are constitutionally disposed to abortion or 
have a tendency to miscarry, even with the best of care, while 
there are other cases in which various causes may have been 
provocative of the condition. However, with proper care there 
are comparatively few cases of pregnancy that will not con- 
tinue the proper period of gestation. 

HELPFUL HINTS. 

In dry labor, fifteen drops of tincture of nux vomica, added 
to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given 
every fifteen to thirty minutes, appears to facilitate labor. 

Febrile troubles, and tardy convalescence follow the use of 
chloroform and forceps, give the gynecologists cases of female 
diseases, a miserable life to the woman, and a depleted pocket- 
book to the husband. 

Time and patience cannot be too highly extolled as a vir- 
tue during the entire stage of all labors, and during first la- 
bors especially. There is far less danger in a few hours delay 
in labor, than hastening the labor with forceps. 

Soilings must be kept from about the parturient woman, 
the parts washed from two to four times a day and clean pro- 
tectors or absorbents adjusted. 

If badly feeding, nasty keeping, and ill treatment will make 
the cow's milk unfit for baby's food, what effect will the same 
treatment have on the mother's milk ? 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 459 

EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCY. 
Cases of extra-uterine pregnancy are of so exceedingly rare 
occurence — so exceedingly few are really found — that it is un- 
necessary to devote attention to the subject in this book. 

MONSTROSITIES.-DEFORMITIES. 

Monstrosities and deformities are met in the human familv, 
as well as in all other animal life, and also in all vegetable life. 

Monstrosities constitute those cases where nature has per- 
verted from the normal plan, or original plan of its species, 
which is occasionally met in various manifestations in both 
animal and vegetable life. 

The name monstrosity is generally confined to those cases 
which are greatly perverted, as the examples of Cheng and 
Eng, the Siamese *twins ; Rita-Christine, whose duplication of 
body discontinued below the waist ; the woman with four legs ; 
Heline-Judith, whose bodies were united at the hips ; and the 
Tocci brothers. Deformities may include these examples, and 
those cases in which the development of a part or parts are 
totally lacking or only partial. 

Causes leading to these manifestations are various and not 
well understood. As to how far prevention of these perver- 
sions are preventable is yet a matter of much speculation. 
While morbid impressions, obstructions and disturbances un- 
doubtedly influence to a great degree the unborn in many 
ways, to just what extent they influence is difficult to deter- 
mine. 

THE FIRST WASH OF THE NEW-BABY. 

At least three quarters of an hour, or an hour should 
elapse after the birth of the new baby before it is subjected to 
the washing process, and dressed. It should, however, be 
anointed, or smeared all over with pure vaseline, or lard, and 



460 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

well rolled, or wrapped up in a woolen flannel or suitable 
covering prepared for the purpose, leaving a breathing space 
for its mouth, and place it where there is no possibility of its 
becoming chilled, or injured. 

No matter at what season of the year the new comer ar- 
rives, the room in which it is washed must be warm. The 
climate from which it has arrived was of high temperature, 
and to expose it to the unwarmed atmosphere of the room, 
with body bare and wet, is simply to lay the foundation for 
a squalling time for weeks to follow. 

There must be at hand the following: A woolen blanket 
to wrap the baby in immediately after birth. Two ounces of 
pure vaseline, or lard. 

A binder, or band, and a piece of absorbent cotton, two 
and a half by six inches, or preferably a piece of soft cotton 
cloth, a piece that has been worn but that is thoroughly clean. 

A cotton-flannel napkin, and small inside napkin (this in- 
side napkin is to be burned when soiled). 

A shirt of all-wool fabric if winter, if summer, some soft- 
faced half-wool fabric will serve. The shirt should be made 
high at the neck and with full length sleeves. 

An all-wool flannel skirt. 

A gown, and woolen shawl or wrap. 

A paper each of large and small safety pins. 

A cake of castile soap, two small sponges or wash rags, and 
a soft towel. No powders of any kind. A jar of pure vase- 
line. 

There must be two wash basins of hot water, and plenty of 
hot water at hand so that the bath water may have an ad- 
dition of hot water should it exhibit getting cool, and there is 
then readiness for the washing process. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 461 

Wet one sponge or rag in the water, which must be kept 
just so warm as not to burn, lather it fairly well with the 
castile soap, and go rapidly to washing, beginning at the feet 
and work up, wash fast, being careful to perform the washing 
without turning, which tends to produce a suggestion of 
bruised soreness ; quick as you have cleansed over the surface 
to the arm-pits, with the soaped sponge or rag, immediately 
with the other one dipped in the clear basin of water, rinse 
over these parts of the body, dry and cover ; finish at the head 
in the same way that the other parts were cleansed. 

DRESSING THE CORD. 

The cord must now be dressed. Take the absorbent cotton 
or cloth, the cloth preferably, fold it double cross- wise, and cut 
a hole in the center of one half of it sufficiently large to admit 
of bringing the end of the cord through it; moisten around 
this hole with pure vaseline, bring the end of the cord through 
this hole, fold over each upper corner of the cloth now lying 
against the body of the child, bring up the lower end sufficient 
to fold over the end of the cord, and turn the end of the 
cord upward against the abdomen and confine it in 
place by placing over it the band, and with small safety pins, 
pin it at the back, folding the surplus length back underneath 
the pins. 

Dip a snip of soft cloth in the vaseline leaving a suggestion 
of vaseline on the cloth, and touch slightly any bends, in the 
groins, under the bends of the knees, in the bends of the arms 
etc., and the babe is ready to dress. Now put on it the nap- 
kins, and fasten with a large safety pin. Next put on the shirt, 
next the skirt, and last the gown. It may now be placed to 
keep comfortably warm. Usually the new babe will go 
to sleep right away after being washed and dressed, especially 
if the water was quite warm and the little one has not been 



462 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

chilled, and it is permitted to do so ; this permits of sufficient 
time to place the mother in comfortable and cleanly condition, 
and gives her nerves a little time to recuperate. 

OBSERVATIONS IN CARING FOR THE NEW BABE. 

Its first food must be its mother's milk; this is especially 
adapted by nature for the requirements of the child's special 
needs at this time, and there is neither medicine nor foods of 
which we can prepare that can equal this " physic" that na- 
ture has prepared for the babe in its mother's milk. 

Being handled and the surrounding noises, and perhaps to 
being cold, and not hunger, causes most of the squalling of 
these little creatures during the first twenty-four hours. 

During the day the babe may nurse when hungry and till 
hunger is satisfied, till it is six months old; but it must be 
taught from the first not to nurse during the night. If the 
child is hand-fed the same rules are adaptable. After six 
months old the child will be satisfied and will do well with 
its three meals taken at the table when the family eats, and 
a nursing two times a day between these meals. 

An infant usually urinates within the first twenty-four 
hours after its birth. If it does not, a silk or woolen cloth 
folded three or four thicknesses, dipped in water so warm as 
not to burn, and placed over the region of the bladder, will 
usually* induce it. A piece of thick brown wrapping paper, 
wet with spirits of camphor and placed over the region of the 
bladder will induce urination in the infant. It is rare that 
this last named remedy fails to produce the desired result. 

The meconium, or "black feces," usually passes in about 
six or twelve hours, occasionally earlier. 

Occasionally the breasts of the new babe are found dispos- 
ing to hearden as if inflammation was presenting, and there 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 463 

appears to be soreness. This by some people is attributed to 
the presence of milk. Whether there is milk present or not, 
attention to the condition must not be neglected. Cases are 
reported in which suppuration has taken place. 

Take camphor gum, one ounce, and mix it by gentle heat, 
with twice its bulk of pure hog's lard ; apply a portion on a 
woolen cloth, so warm as not to burn, all over the gland or 
breasts. Apply it twice a day till the hardness has subsided. 

While it is necessary to watch the new babe's body care- 
fully all over every day, and especially till the end of the cord 
has removed or dropped off, do not wash it all over the body 
every day after the third day. Keep it clean, certainly, but to 
do so it is not necessary to wash it all over its body every 
day. Every third day is quite sufficient. 

HEMORRHAGE FROM THE NAVEL. 
Hemorrhage from the navel sometimes occurs. Occasion- 
ally this is due to the cord being improperly tied, though rarely, 
as it is generally due to some imperfection in nature's plan. 
It may occur after the stump has fallen off, from the parts not 
being properly healed, and this may be due to a natural fee- 
bleness of the child which prevents healing; or, simply to a 
sluggish and feeble habit of the child. If the hemorrhage is ex- 
tensive a doctor should be called. If the hemorrhage has oc- 
curred before the stump has fallen off, inspect to see if the lig- 
ature is sufficiently tight and, if it is not, make it more firm. 
If it appears after the stump has fallen off it is probably due 
to deficient healing. If such is the case, apply equal parts of 
tincture of benzoin and vaseline, on fine cotton, and confine it 
in place. 

ULCERATION OF THE NAVEL. 
Ulceration, or a degree of inflammation sometimes appears 
about the navel in its early healing. Its causes are various. 






464 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

It may be due to the band being kept too tight, to neglect in 
cleanliness, to a feebleness of the child, to inherited syphilitic 
taint, or to some cause not easily discerned. 

Whether ulceration or simple inflammation has manifested, 
the following will be found to induce healing in most cases : 
Wash the part with hot water and castile soap, using the soap 
freely to insure cleanliness, then rinse the part with hot water, 
a third of a teacupful, to which has been added fifteen drops 
of tincture of benzoin, and dry with a soft cloth. Mix equal 
parts of vaseline and tincture of benzoin and apply it on a 
piece of fine new cotton and confine the dressing in place by 
means of a band. 

SORE EYES OF THE NEW BABE. 

A very large amount of the sore eyes manifesting during 
the early weeks of infantile life is chiefly due to exposure of the 
child's face and eyes to chill air and the glares of light, causing 
congestion and consequent inflammation. In some cases there 
is present syphilitic taint which may be its chief promoting 
factor; in such case the condition is much more serious. 

Protecting the face from undue glare of light and chill air, 
and bathing the eyes with simply hot water — hot, not warm, 
serves to remove the disturbance in nearly every case, even 
though there be syphilitic taint present. It is exceedingly rare 
that a case is found that it will not get well, and in the quick- 
est possible time, from the above treatment. 

In exceedingly severe and obstinate cases, the following 
may be used a few days, once a day : Add five drops of spirits 
of camphor to half a teacupful of hot water. W T ash the eyes 
with this mixture by means of a bit of new cotton. 

Also, place half a teaspoonful of golden seal, in powder, in 
a cup, and pour over it half a teacupful of boiling water; let 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 465 

it stand half an hour, strain it and it is ready for use. Use it 
hot and apply as above. 

OBSERVATIONS.— EXCORIATIONS AND SCALDINGS. 

When excoriations, scaldings, or inflamed manifestations 
exhibit about the parts and nates, it is due to abnormal con- 
dition of the child's health, chiefly the kidneys. Occasionally it 
comes from the child not being kept clean and dry, but this is 
rare. 

If the child is but a few weeks old and is nursing its 
mother, she may take medicine sufficient that the infant may 
obtain the beneficial effect required through the milk. In case 
this is sought to be effected the mother must take sufficient. 
The capsules named in this book (see remedies) may be taken, 
one every four hours till three to five have been taken; then 
one should be taken every third night, till four or five have 
been taken. The cascara mixture directed in the treatment of 
uraemia, in this book, taken sufficient, will also give the desired 
relief. In the majority of cases of very early life of the infant, 
this will give the desired relief, the infant receiving remedial 
effects through the milk. 

If the infant is some months old, frequently a few doses of 
Castoria will give the desired relief. Fluid extract of aromatic 
cascara, half a teaspoonful, given a babe three months old, 
giving a dose every six hours till alvine action is increased, 
also brines the desired effect. 



l cV 



In older cases the following will serve promptly : Take 
fluid extract of aromatic cascara, half an ounce ; essence of pep- 
permint and glycerine, of each one ounce; simple syrup, two 
ounces; podophyllin, half a grain. Mix. To a child six months 
old give a teaspoonful of the mixture every eight hours till alvine 

17- 



466 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

action is increased. Shortly after this appears a betterment will 
be seen and will continue to recovery. Three to five doses usu- 
ally being sufficient, but occasionally a few more doses may be 
required. Dose for other ages, in proportion to age. Wash the 
local parts with water to which a little borax has been added, 
using the water so hot as not to burn. This will disperse the 
local irritation in most cases, there being but few that will not 
yield to this treatment. Twenty drops of tincture of benzoin 
added to half a teacupful of water, and the parts washed with 
this mixture, will also disperse the local annoyance. Also, 
washing the parts with simply hot water will disperse it. 
(See Hives elsewhere in this book.) 

SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF 

BABY'S APPAREL. 

Cotton flannel makes the most serviceable napkins, and a 
yard square a most suitable size. This size admits of doub- 
ling to four thicknesses, which answers, usually, for protecting 
purposes till the infant can be taught to give signal for spe- 
cial care. A mat may, however, be placed under the little one 
as a farther safeguard when in bed, but it should not be 
pinned on it. The cotton flannel will not absorb well till it 
has been boiled, hence it should be so treated two or three 
times, and then mangled or ironed. 

The bands, or binders, must be made of soft woolen 
flannel, or lined with soft woolen flannel, no matter what 
season of the year. The proper size to make these bands can 
be determined by the prospective mother spreading her hand 
as if to touch the extreme keys in an octave of the piano, and 
measuring from the end of the little finger to the end of the 
thumb — twice this length being the length required to reach 
around the body of the new babe; to this length add five 
inches which gives the proper length to make the band ; the 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 467 

extra length must be folded back under the pins so as to pre- 
vent them touching the little one's body. There must be two 
gored seams in the lower edge of the band, extending one-third 
of the width of the band, and situated about an inch and a 
half on each side of the middle of the length of the band. The 
index and second finger left between the hand and the body of 
the child, when pinning the band, will when removed, leave 
the band about the proper tension. By too great tension of 
the band hernia has been caused. There have been such results. 

The shirts must be of woolen fabric, in weight to suit the 
season. They must have long sleeves and be high at the neck. 

The skirt should be made — the skirt joined to a sleeveless 
waist made to button up at the back, and sufficiently large 
for easy comfort. Those made with a skirt joined to a great 
wide band long enough in length to reach around its mother's 
shoulders, necessitating winding and winding, to get it adjust- 
ed, making a bunglesome nuisance, should certainly become 
obsolete. 

The gown should be made a mother-hubbard, or some such 
roomy shape, and button from the neck to the waist line in 
front. 

The clothing constructed in the above manner insures com- 
fort to the child and convenience in handling, thus saving from 
discomfort, fatigue and worriment in being handled, and does 
away with pins about the child. 

Much objectionable washing may be avoided, especially in 
the early weeks of the child's life, by placing an inside napkin 
next to the child's body. This inside napkin may be made of 
inexpensive fabric, then it may be burned. 

CARE AND CLEANSING OF NURSING BOTTLES. 
Much complaint is made by both writers and physicians 
regarding the care of nursing bottles, attributing so much of 



468 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

the sickness of infants to improprieties with these articles.- The 
writer has never met a case of sickness among infants where 
the cause could be attributed to filthily kept nursing bottles, 
notwithstanding she has seen those used from the rag and 
goose quill nipple to those of the most elegant structure. It 
is true, however that much repulsion can associate about 
a nursing bottle. Milk decomposes very quickly and when as- 
sociated with bottles, nipples, etc., that have been soaked in 
soda and water, as many physicians instruct mothers and 
nurses to do, a most distressing stink results. 

The nursing bottles with the long rubber and glass tubes, 
are a necessity, till the child is at least four or six months old, 
and these require the greatest care. First, there should be no 
milk permitted to remain in the bottles between the feedings, 
then there will be no sour milk to remove, which is the most 
difficult to do. 

To cleanse, have ready a brisk soap suds as hot as the 
hand will endure; remove the nipple and tubes together from 
the bottle and place them in this suds, and also the bottle; 
press the nipple between finger and thumb as you would the 
bulb of a syringe for introducing water into it, and thorough- 
ly slush the glass and rubber tubes and nipple, which re- 
moves all particles of milk; now place these in clear water 
hot as above, and slush with it, then remove the nipple 
from the tube and separate the other parts, whisk all well 
through the water and place to drain. Cleanse the bottles 
in these waters and place to drain, also. At least three bot- 
tles are necessary for each infant — six are more convenient, 
as that will permit the bottles, tubes and nipples longer time 
to air. 

The process of cleansing must be completed as quickly as 
possible, to prevent the nipple and tube from becoming water- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 469 

soaked. Neither the bottles, tubes, nor nipples should be per- 
mitted to remain wet nor soaking in any preparation. This 
has been the writer's method in the care of these bottles for 
many years, and has had it practiced in families successfully. 
If the above instructions are followed, the nursing utensils 
will keep in perfect condition. Just before placing the food in 
the bottle, rinse it, the tube and nipple, in clear water. 

The habit of doping these utensils with the various and 
numerous "antiseptics" and " disinfect ants' ' directed by many, 
is a harmful superfluity. The cleansing precautions the writer 
gives above keep the bottles pure and fresh. 

THE NEW BABE. 

The new babe is a bundle of helpless dependencies intro- 
duced into a new sphere of activities, that of performing and 
carrying on the offices and functions of its own bodily economy 
and mental development. At first, though the function of res- 
piration is regular, it is not prepared for the excitement caused 
by motion, nor its animal organs for exercise, hence repose 
and quiet are essential to its welfare, it creating its own neces- 
sary exercise in crying, sucking and the many movements of 
head, hands and feet. The tissues of its body are tender and 
sensitive, and those of the bones are soft, pliable and elastic, 
being cartilaginous or gristly, and are therefore unfit for en- 
during strain, force or weight, hence it should not be forced 
and hastened to an upright position. Its body should lie qui- 
etly on a bed, crib or couch, all parts of its body being care- 
fully and comfortably supported, with as little handling and 
noise about it as is consistent with its necessary care, for at 
least the first two months of its new life. During the first six 
months of the child's life the greatest part of its time should 
be spent in the recumbent position. The weight of the head is 
heavy, out of proportion to the ability of the spinal column to 



470 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

endure weight, and in the recumbent position this weight is 
prevented from continuing on the spinal column, and thereby 
permits it to develope its normal contour. 

Their exercise can hardly be controlled or directed with 
safety, but rather the inclinations of nature followed and sec- 
onded. Nature sufficiently early gives it the impulse for the up- 
right position, and the doddling motion of the head shows that 
fatigue follows even but a short stay in that position for many 
weeks after its first attempts. While the little one must have 
change of position to relieve pressure on parts on which it may 
be placed and to permit a free circulation, this change must be 
made in such a way as not to place the motion wholly on the 
strength of the child, for while it needs the change its strength 
is not sufficient to make them of itself. 

After a child is four or ^.Ye months old a most admirable 
place for it, and one that adapts to its requirements better 
and safer than any other, is on a comfortable mat upon the 
floor, with a liberal supply of soft and attractive cushions and 
playthings surrounding it. This permits of spontaneous action 
and supplies with accessible accessories for self-entertainment, 
and opportunity to use its body as its strength increases ; it 
also prevents injuries from falls, and its desire to obtain sur- 
rounding objects and to go from place to place, and in due 
time prompts it first to crawl and then to try to get upon its 
feet and then to walk. The child thus permitted to lie and toss 
about on the floor obtains better health, more satisfactory ex- 
ercise, and is less irritable, as a rule, than the child that is 
continually held in the arms of a nurse or confined in a crib. 

Violent rocking or shaking is not commendable in quieting 
or composing infants to sleep. The sh-sh-sh, and the gentle 
pat, practiced by some German girls who care for children so 
quietly, is admirably suited in soothing fidgety nerves, and 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 471 

coaxing restful sleep. It is one of the gravest mistakes to 
encourage a child to walk alone earlier than the fifteenth or 
eighteenth month; though from fourteen to eighteen months 
old is the usual age for the little one to walk alone, it is un- 
wise to hasten it, as bent legs, weak ankles and knees are its 
fruits. 

Children can be trained to make but few outbursts of cry- 
ing, and that few short, as easily as otherwise. Crying is part 
of baby's means of letting known its wants or sufferings, as 
well as displays of anger and of rebellion, all of these mani- 
festing very early, it apparently understanding just when it 
wants to use them. By placing it in comfort stops the cries 
for the first named, and by a sweep of the open hand with 
very mild pressure over the face, including eyes, nose and 
mouth, or frequently a look of great surprise from the nurse 
to the little one will control its temper cries. It is astonishing 
how early these little ones learn to understand that crying is 
annoying. 

BABY RASH, OR INFANTILE RASH. 

Almost every baby in a few days after birth, within about 
two weeks, occasionally it may be six weeks, is affected with 
a red-like eruption over the body. In some cases it is more 
marked than in others. Usually it need not be looked upon as 
anything serious. I consider it due to a kind of reaction of its 
system consequent upon it taking on all of its own living to do. 

Among some classes there may be syphilitic taint in addi- 
tion ; when such is the case the severity is augmented. 

Usually it subsides with no other treatment than carefully 
administering its sponge bath. Occasionally a degree of rest- 
lessness and fretfulness manifests. When this occurs, give cat- 
nip tea to which has been added a pinch of sulphur. 



472 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Also, a little calamus tea to which a pinch of sulphur has 
been added, gives relief. A teaspoonful of either (mildly strong), 
given three or four times a day, or in the twenty-four hours, 
should be given. There is seldom anything more necessary. 

TONGUE-TIED. 

Tongue-tied is a condition in which the tongue is bound 
down to the lower jaw too closely, and interferes with the 
tongue in nursing, or, in talking. The condition is of so rare 
occurrence, however, as to be scarcely worth the time to men- 
tion it. The writer never met a case of it. Should such exist 
it is a case for a surgeon. But almost all tongues become quite 
active enough. 

HIVES. 

The condition given the above name, is an eruption mani- 
festing over the surface of the body in large patches with a 
somewhat swelled center more white than the rest. It is ac- 
companied by more or less itching. The patient is also more 
or less nervous and restless. When appearing in infants this 
eruption is called hives, and when appearing in older subjects 
it is called rash or nettle rash. 

Administer a sponge bath daily, using the water so hot as 
not to burn, and plentifully of castile soap. Then to a pint of 
water, add one-fourth of an ounce of tincture of benzoin. Wet 
a sponge or rag with this mixture, and rinse well all over the 
body. 

Take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, equal parts. 
Mix well. To a child eight months old give half an even teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture in syrup, every morning for three mornings, 
then give a dose every third morning till three more doses are 
given. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 473 

This same treatment serves for the older ones, by enlarging 
the doses. Castile soap and sulphur equal parts, mixed by the 
addition of a little water and heat, makes a good soap for 
bathing in this annoyance. Also, Lloyd's Asepsin soap is ex- 
cellent for this purpose. 

A dose of the medicine containing buchu, cascara, and pod- 
ophyllin, directed in "Hints for the Care of Children," in this 
book, a dose taken just before retiring, for three or four nights, 
is necessary to obtain the desired result in some cases. 

For infants or very small children, strong catnip tea with 
the pinch of sulphur added, a teaspoonful of the mixture given 
four times a day, in addition to the baths, will be sufficient to 
place them comfortable. 

Castor oil given sufficient to purge, also disperses it nicely 
in many cases of young children. The following is an elegant 
and palatable preparation of immense value both in this dis- 
turbance and many other disturbances of the babies, and suffi- 
cient doses given till above effect results, is not amiss for the older 
ones. Take castor oil, two ounces; simple syrup, one ounce; essence 
of peppermint, half an ounce; essence of cinnamon, one 
drachm. Mix well. For a child a year old, a teaspoonful of 
the mixture, given three times a day, so long as needed, is 
sufficient. Others in proportion to age. 

CHILDREN.— THEIR CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Nowhere in animal life is the new being so utterly helpless 
at birth and for so long a time, both physically and mentally 
to provide for its own well being, as in the human family — 
none among which there is really so little known of what to 
do and how to situate the new-being, to do just that needed 
done, and avoid that that will do injury. Each generation 
must depend on the experience and wisdom gained by the gen- 
eration before, in a great measure, yet tact, judgment, apti- 



474 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

tude and patience are necessary to provide and administer the 
essentials for comfort and well-being. 

Love and sympathy for the new-being is possessed by all 
animal life — each kind that suited to the needs necessary for 
its well being. Among none in animal life is that need so 
broad and far reaching, and among none else is it so amply 
supplied, as in the human family, approximating intuitive 
knowledge. While by natural endowment and aptitude the 
female in the human family can best administer to the needs 
of the helpless new-being, the love and sympathy for the new- 
being should be as strong in the male as in the female. 

The general character of the child, both physically and 
mentally will be in the greatest degree very similar to its 
parents, hence very much of the foundation of what the new 
being will eventually be, is laid before its conception; and in 
addition to the above facts, there are many influences that 
during gestation will leave marked impressions upon the off- 
spring, hence much of the care of the new-being must be begun 
long before its exit into the world as an individual being. 

DISTURBANCES OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 

In infancy and childhood the natural tendency of the sys- 
tem is toward growth and repair — looking toward a better- 
ment in condition; hence, good nutriment, cleanliness, protec- 
tion from inclemency of weather, proper exercise and entertain- 
ment which favor this condition are the assurances of attain- 
ing and maintaining good health, and but little medicine is 
needed. 

Infants' and children's ailments, on general principles, are 
very like those of the grown-up people's, and require similar 
treatment. Yet there is no class of patients that so thor- 
oughly taxes the largest number of physicians as those of in- 
fantile humanity. Unfortunately for the attending physician 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 475 

these helpless bits of humanity are unable to tell their little 
tale of woe in words, thus informing where the hurt place is ; 
and the mother's ignorance disabling her from aiding to find 
it, must leave it to the skill of the physician to ferret it out, 
and for this reason, nowhere in relieving and curing human ills 
is there so great skill required as is absolutely necessary in treat- 
ing these little ones. 

In addition to the ailments of infants which by virtue of 
nature (natural decay) they are entitled to, they often receive 
great bundles of infirmities from the mother while nursing her. 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The 
mother who is not well fed, well clothed, comfortably housed, 
and at least comparatively free from harrassment and worri- 
ment, cannot supply milk fit to healthily nourish a child; and 
so generally in addition to the above improprieties, the mother 
must perform manual labor requiring great muscle and muscle 
wear, this taking the nutriment from the supply and replace- 
ment of milk, depriving this milk of the proper qualities. An- 
other great source of infants' physical ailments and premature 
deaths arises from the disturbed condition of the mother's 
health. 

From the injured and deranged condition- of the milk, due 
to this cause, gastric irritations result to the nursing child, it 
is restless and cannot sleep and from the mother not knowing 
the cause, or what to do to relieve the little sufferer, she per- 
mits it to nurse more, to quiet if possible its uneasiness and 
induce sleep. But only fuel to fire has been added, vomiting, 
diarrhea, fever, reflex brain disturbance and convulsions follow 
and the result may be serious — may terminate fatally, which 
it frequently does. In these conditions the cure is embodied in 
the prevention chiefly in stopping the cause. 



476 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

In these cases the mother not having kept her own health 
in proper condition, the child gets impurities from her milk. 
The "six weeks" crying babies, and the "three months" crying, 
colicky, and ailing babies, are usually the result of the mother 
not having taken medicine to properly cleanse out her system 
following the birth of the child, and the child is cleansing her 
system by withdrawing these impurities in the milk. 

Though children will sometimes get sick under the best 
management we can devise, and some will die, as matter — the 
material of which the body is made, decay is a natural prop- 
erty of it and wear and other forces hasten the decay, and as all 
are not born possessing the same amount of vitality— or endowed 
-with sufficient vital force to continue life the same length of 
time and under the same circumstances, death will come — to 
some earlier to some later. A great amount of suffering can 
be averted, however, and life comfortably prolonged, by proper 
and judicious care. The following hints for the prevention of 
and the removal of ailments will not be amiss : 

Keep children comfortably and cleanly clothed. Prevent ir- 
ritations in the stomach and bowels by permitting them to have 
periods of absolute rest by prohibiting- constant stuffing. 

When a child is fretful, manifests some uneasiness or dis- 
turbance, examine its body to ascertain that its clothing is in 
no way punishing it, that no pins are piercing it, that there is 
no local injury anywhere about its body, that its clothes are 
sufficiently warm, or sufficiently cool. If nothing in this direc- 
tion presents, administer a hot water sponging over the body, 
dry quickly, put on it a loose gown and place the child in bed 
with quiet surroundings, and let it go to sleep, which it will 
do in a majority of cases. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 477 

Do not permit the baby to nurse during the night, neither 
must it be fed. A little care will establish the habit of baby 
nursing at 9 P. M., and sleeping during the night, till 6 A. M. 

Infants and children up to about 5 years of age, at least, 
their ailments and the nature of them must be learned by 
manifesting symptoms. Infants cry and become fretful in 
tones indicating different causes, or manifestations of their 
ailments, as the vigorous cry, contorted, tossing, restless body, 
legs drawn up and head thrown back, says colic — distress in 
the alimentary canal. Flannel mats wrung from hot water 
and placed over the bowels, and a purge of olive, or sweet oil, 
or castor oil, gives relief in many of these cases. A teaspoon- 
ful of the sweet oil given every three or four hours till alvine 
action is seen to increase frequently rights the wrongs. That 
is for a child from three months to eight months old. 

Castoria given as directed seems to meet the needs of 
many of the disturbances of the little ones till they are six or 
nine months old, occasionally till later. 

The badly nourished child is the perpetual cryer, and needs 
nutrition. And the little one who has things started wrong 
end first in the world who sleeps serenely all day and yells all 
night, unless entertained with a light and company, needs 
things turned around by a little firm persuasion — prohibit from 
sleeping during the day, when it will be ready for sleep at 
night. 

Strong catnip tea with a little sulphur added, or calamus 
tea with sulphur, disperses many disturbances of these little 
ones. Also the soot tea, like our grand-mothers used, has never 
lost its value. A teaspoonful of soot added to half a teacupful 
of boiling water, let settle, and to a babe a month old give half 
a teaspoonful of the tea every hour till three doses have been 



478 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

given, which usually gives relief. More may be given if needed. 
Do not add sugar to this tea. 

Bathing for cleanliness only suits by far the largest number 
of babies, and the wash simply using a wet sponge or cloth, 
and not plunging the little ones into the water, the mode of 
administering. An atmosphere in which the nurse feels com- 
fortable, her body being dry and covered with clothes, will 
chill the little one through and through, its body being bare 
and wet, and from the effects of which it will take days and 
perhaps weeks to rally. 

The child should not nurse the mother after it is one year 
old. When the mother becomes pregnant, no matter at what 
age of the nursing infant, it must be weaned from nursing her 
at once. 

OBSERVATIONS WHEN THE BABY FRETS. 

Don't feed the infant every time it frets. There is much 
else about an infant that needs attention besides keeping its stom- 
ach crammed. It gets sleepy, it gets tired, its clothing becomes 
soiled; it may be handled too much, and by strange hands 
which makes the child's body sore, bruises; it tires of seeing 
the same objects about it ; it gets tired of too frequent change, 
it tires of being talked to too much, of being forced to enter- 
tain too much, — of being a plaything; it alike with the grown- 
up ones tires of the jingle-jingle of the general daily hustle of 
the home. 

The habit of feeding children on every manifestation of dis- 
comfort is an injurious habit. If children are comfortable they 
exhibit a far greater degree of content and endurance of exist- 
ing conditions than is manifested by adults, and complain less 
from the degree of ailment. 

The largest portion of the first two months of the child's 
life should be spent in sleep. Conversations and noises necessary 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 479 

for its proper care are as much as it should be subjected to 
hearing till eight or ten weeks old at least, which, in addition 
to favoring the establishment of the body in its new relations 
of continuing life, that of wholly depending upon the functions 
of its own body, permits a degree of passiveness much more 
acceptable and agreeable than the discordant music resulting 
from simply too much handling of the child's body and en- 
forced mental development. 

ABUSIVE TREATMENT OF THE NEW BABY. 

The new baby is more frequently subjected to a handlement 
sufficient to maul its tender structure into an unrecognizable 
mass than otherwise, and attendants and mamma so "proud 
of the bright baby" that " notices everything," wonders why 
baby is restless and crying, and screeching all night, with 
eventual development of a real frenzy. Grown-up people get 
tired; their nerves get tired, their minds get tired, but they 
seldom think that baby becomes similarly tired. Two extremes 
which are destructive to the grown-up bodies are equally so 
with young life — monotony and excessive change. 

Even very young children require some entertainment, some 
requiring more provided entertainment than others, those that 
are more tactful to entertain themselves requiring less. The 
genius, skill and tactfulness absolutely necessary to superintend 
and execute the care of humanity even during the first five 
years of its existence, is far greater than is embodied in the 
mechanism of all of the material machineries of art the world 
ever contained, and yet the men shirk from that which requires 
more genius and skill than they are willing to put forth — and 
throw bouquets all over themselves for some little trivial at- 
tainment in mechanical art which reqtvired a most meagre 
amount of intellectual ingenuity. 



480 . THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

FEEDING INFANTS AND CHILDREN. 

In feeding infants and children, over-feeding is as much to 
be avoided as the giving of improper or unwholesome food. 
Over-feeding and the too frequent administration of food are 
two of the prime factors in producing much of the ailments in 
infants and creating and establishing that disposition to eter- 
nally whine. The habit of exhibiting food to infants every time 
they manifest dissatisfaction by crying or otherwise, is indulged 
in to their greatest injury. The stomach is never permitted to 
rest, hence, even from over-taxation alone, the digestive organs 
must break down from depression from over-loading, and con- 
stant excitation and stimulation. 

Much more of the fretfulness of infants is due to thirst, the 
want of water, to over-excitement and to that want to be let 
alone, than is at all presumed. Milk, whether it be nursed 
from the mother's breast, or whether it be cow's milk, is a 
thirst-creator, and especially so in hot weather. And, in addi- 
tion to milk augmenting the desire for water, the hot weather 
reduces the fluids of the body by perspiration, thus creating the 
need of fluidity — of water. 

Continued irritation of the alimentary tract produces a de- 
gree of inflammation which, if protracted, the inflammatory 
process may end in severer irritation. In the summer com- 
plaints of children the nerve disturbance incident to the devel- 
opment of the teeth and their eruption or cutting, the alimen- 
tary tract appears to become unusually sensitive, is easily irri- 
tated, digestion and nutrition do not well perform, and debil- 
ity begins to manifest ; this is greatly increased by the depress- 
ing influence of the summer temperature — or, rather, the de- 
pressing influence of the increased heat is the promoting cause. 
From the debilitated condition of the digestive organs diges- 
tion is not well performed, the foods decompose and become 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 481 

irritating factors, diarrhea sets up, waste increases, and very 
slight additional annoyance will augment it. If attention is 
not prompt and careful, what seems today not to be serious 
may, and often does, in the time of three or five days, present 
the most serious aspect of that disease called cholera infantum. 

If the tongue is found coated dirty-white or yellowish white, 
the following will meet the needs : Take glycerine and simple 
syrup, of each two ounces; tincture of buchu, one-half an ounce; 
fluid extract of cascara, two ounces; cinchona cal., one drachm; 
podophyllin, one-fourth of a grain ; essence of cinnamon, two 
drachms. Mix. and shake the bottle each time before giving a 
dose. 

To a child eight or sixteen months old, give a teaspoonful 
of this mixture every eight or ten hours till the alvine dis- 
charges have assumed a yellow or biliary color. (This given 
no matter how free the bowels have been discharging.) Rarely 
more than one to three doses are required to give this effect. 
Afterward a dose given once a week may be given for two 
or three weeks. 

If the alvine discharges are green or curded, or contain 
mucous, give a teaspoonful of olive or sweet oil, or the castor 
oil mixture named in this book in the treatment of hives, every 
three hours till the discharges have assumed the yellow or 
yellowish brown color. In some cases the castor oil purge 
alone, serves well. This is effective also, in the cases where 
there is blood mixed with the discharges. 

When the stools have become watery and clay colored, the 
following very frequently proves all that is necessary: Take 
simple syrup, and castor oil, of each, two ounces ; chionanthus, 
one drachm ; essence of cinnamon, one drachm ; essence of pep- 
permint, half an ounce. Mix. Give a teaspoonful three times 

18- 



482 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a day. This is frequently effective in any condition of this 
annoyance. This is not unpleasant. 

Simply a hot water injection per rectum, using the water 
so hot as not to burn, and from a pint to three pints of 
water, and a small quantity of salt added, gives an astonish- 
ing amount of good. It not only cleanses the bowel, but 
mitigates much of the severity and disperses much of the un- 
pleasant symptoms, increases the tone of the little sufferer, 
lessens feverish temperature, and hastens recovery. The hot 
water sitz-bath is also of much benefit, the water to extend all 
over the bowels. 

Essence of peppermint added to the water used for the 
sponge-baths is not harmful, but it prevents from taking cold, 
or undue susceptibility to chill. 

In these diarrheal affections the system loses excessively its 
necessary fluid supply, by excessive diarrhea, by undue sweat- 
ing and by vomiting, and the system cries out for a re-supply 
of fluidity by thirst. To this, and also to some degree of in- 
flammation in the alimentary tract, is due the so frequent de- 
sire for water. Water must be supplied, but the drinking of 
injurious quantities of cold water, if permitted in excess, pro- 
duces congestion; this excessive craving can be satisfied to the 
betterment of the patient every way by having frequent sups 
of hot water taken in addition to permitting the cold drinks. 
These hot drinks, in addition to allaying thirst, give tone to 
the stomach, placing it in better condition to use food, and 
following the drinking of it the child will frequently immediate- 
ly call for food. 

DENTITION.— OBSERVATIONS ON. 
Notwithstanding dentition is a physiological and natural 
process, yet many people have permitted themselves to fall into 
the habit of attributing nearly every infantile disturbance or dis- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 483 

order as a sequela to this natural process — natural and conse- 
quent upon development and growth. The fact that improper 
clothing, exposure to excessive cold or excessive heat, improper, 
deficient or over feeding, too much excitation, or that the child 
can become bilious, or that its system can become in a morbid 
condition from any other cause than a reflex from nerve strain 
from the eruption of the teeth, is entirely lost sight of. It seems 
quite irrational to accuse the Great Architect of being so sadly 
deficient as to make the natural processes of our body so pro- 
vocative of disorder and pain. 

While we must admit that there is nerve excitation and 
nerve strain to some extent, if the general health of the child 
is kept in the best possible condition, the eruption, or cutting 
of the teeth will attract but little attention. 

SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

During the first thirty-six or forty -eight hours immediately 
following the administration of medicines it is best to modify 
the quantity of food given — the less during this time the better 
— not giving it oftener than every four or six hours. This per- 
mits of sensible opportunity for the medicine to produce a sen- 
sible effect in inducing restoration of the digestive function, 
which till at least a start is made in this direction, foods taken 
are only additional irritating factors, as digestion does not 
perform and the food decomposes. 

The juice of fresh orange, permitted freely, greatly favors 
restoration of the alimentary canal to normal. 

Keep a sick child quiet and dorit keep it in constant mo- 
tion. Watch, and examine the children and do not let morbid 
symptoms continue till the repairative powers are destroyed 
or the vital forces spent before you give treatment to remove 
morbid conditions. Give sufficient medicine to produce sensible 



484 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

action and stop, and permit rest, good care and wholesome 
nutriment an opportunity to do repairative work. 

Children are rarely satisfied after four or five months old 
with milk alone for food, and the writer is of opinion that as 
early as that age or much earlier, the system requires addi- 
tional foods, and that a moderate amount of agreeable foods, 
solid foods, are permissible and advantagous. 

Much is said about milk being so richly nutritious, and 
probably it is when it is, but it is a noted fact that one mav 
fill his food receiver full to the fulness and but a short time 
passes till there is a call for food manifested by hunger. If we 
could learn nothing from observation in the human family, we 
may note the young colt, calf, pigs and lambs, how early they 
seek and partake of other foods, they being but a few weeks 
old or a few days only. 

Thoroughly cooked barley, rice, rice meal, bread, brown 
toast, oat meal, corn meal mush, graham mush, occasionally 
slippery elm meal, a slight suggestion of salt added to the 
cereals, and a small quantity of either of the above added to 
the milk is agreeably permissible, satisfying the child's hunger. 
A change from one to the other of the above foods may be 
made, occasionally. 

A cup of sweet milk, not skimmed milk, and corn bread in 
it makes a satisfying food for the child, and gives the doctor 
fewer visits. If everybody ate more corn bread the doctors 
would be fewer in number, and that few would have less to 
do. 

Horlick's Malted Milk is not a milk alone, but contains 
nutrition from the cereals which makes it adapted to feed in- 
fants till two or three years old. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 485 

The yelk of an egg beaten and a little sugar added may be 
fed to the little one that is slow to nourish and disposed to 
eczema. 

The obstinate constipation manifesting occasionally among 
these little sufferers may be relieved by the daily use of sweet 
cream. Do not add sugar to it. 

A Dr. Muir, of Lincoln, Neb., claimed good results from 
feeding the little cholera infantum cases with Horlick's Food 
with a little condensed milk added to it. 

Dr. Chase recommended the following as a good food : Boil 
one-half of an ounce of sugar of milk, in a half pint of water, 
for fifteen minutes, then add one-half a pint of fresh cow's milk 
and boil again. To be given warm from a bottle. If the bowels 
are loose add a teacupful of ground barley, and if the bowels 
are constipated add the same amount of oatmeal instead, and 
cook. This suits some cases very well, but it is better to feed 
it from a spoon. 

The infant in the restless whine is sometimes quieted into 
a natural sleep if given a teaspoonful of coffee (the infusion the 
same that is used for the table). This quantity to a child two 
or three months old. Given in doses proportionate to the age, 
coffee is valuable in the nervous, feverish conditions which 
sometimes accompany dentition, especially where there contin- 
ues undue moisture of the surface of the body and flabby 
tissues. 

The whites of two eggs, stirred in a pint of boiling water, 
and two or three teaspoonfuls of condensed milk added, makes 
an agreeable food for some cases of children affected with 
diarrhea. 



486 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PUNCTUALITY OR PROMPTNESS. 

Having a time for everything and everything in its time, 
is even more essential in the economy of the care of growing 
children than a place for everything and everything in its place . 
The former is the genius, and the latter the skill essentially 
necessary to attain the completed and harmonious perfectness 
of a masterly work, and this begun in the beginning prevents 
many a screakage and leakage in the economy of home com- 
forts and happiness. 

CHILDREN SHOULD BE GOVERNED. 

Children should be governed always while they are children, 
and should conform to regulations agreeable to the best in- 
terests of the well-being of the economy of the home so long 
as they are residents of the home. This is essential to the 
welfare of the home and the rightful treatment of its several 
members. Children should be taught to realize that they owe 
a duty to themselves to be guided aright, and a duty to home 
in making harmony and happiness in the home, and that to 
this end their habits must conform. Their comings and goings 
and companionships should be directed and chosen by parents. 
When this is not done it is fruitful of evil to both children 
and the best interests of the home. Parents being of mature 
years are best able to judge who to and who not to mingle 
with to insure their own best welfare. Children cannot know 
these things, and when left to run wherever and whenever in- 
clination tempts them, they as frequently fall in with enemies 
as friends, with the vicious as with the good, which lays the 
foundation for the destruction of both the children and the 
home. Enemies are always ready to work destruction, and 
never let an opportunity to promote their fiendish work pass 
unav ailed. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 487 

MORAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CHILDREN. 

The moral responsibility of children can be early awakened, 
and nowhere is better opportunity offered for properly direct- 
ing, and practicing good morals than in the relations of the 
economy of the home. Obligations to members of the home 
should be just as binding as with people who are not mem- 
bers of the home. Each should be truthful to the other, should 
recognize and be respectful to each other, and should manifest 
due appreciation of kindnesses and favors from each other. To 
excuse wrongs and indignities from members of the home sim- 
ply because of their relation, or to expect such to be excused 
or borne with, is an injustice — a gross wrong, and should be 
eliminated from the home expectations. 

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS OF CHILDREN. 

Children should be early taught a personal pride in cleanli- 
ness ; they will learn to prefer cleanliness long before they can 
talk, hence it is evident that they are easily impressed regard- 
ing it. They should be taught how to avoid becoming be- 
smeared with soilings, and when they have become unavoidably 
soiled, to cleanse; they should be taught to keep the body 
clean, and their clothing clean, to keep their finger nails clean 
and trimmed, to wash their teeth, to put their hair in tidy 
shape and so keep it ; taught that to be clean is essential to 
health, and also that to be otherwise makes them repulsive ob- 
jects. 

ATTENTIONS TO HABITS REGARDING THEIR HEALTH. 

Habits of regularity of excretions, especially from the bowels, 
may be very early established by a little careful attention. The 
habit of attending to these matters can also be taught to chil- 
dren at a very early age; they may be taught to give especial 
attention to these matters every morning and evening, even 



488 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

when very young, thus making them self-helpful in their own 
care, establishing habits so necessary to health, and relieving 
mother or nurse from much unnecessary work and watchful- 
ness. 

SLEEP. 

It is quite necessary that children be permitted to have a 
due share of undisturbed sleep. The activities of nature in de- 
veloping body and mind require it, and the vigorous, exciting 
exercise they will engage in, if permitted to do so — and they 
should be, occasions exhaustion in a measure. Sleep rests, in- 
vigorates, permits the forces to gather up and renew energy 
for continuing life. 

EXERCISE. 
Muscular exercise is necessary to insure health. A marked 
example of this is seen so often in the improvement of children's 
health immediately following their being able to walk. Exer- 
cise greatly aids the system in ridding itself of its detritus, by 
favoring excretions, and by burning up the husky rubbish, thus 
promoting harmony in the bodily economy. If children have 
an opportunity to exercise, it is rare that they must be urged 
to do so, boys and girls alike engaging in the games; the 
climb, the race, the jump, and the merry jingle of laugh, and 
each should be permitted ample scope. The sense of each is 
soon sufficient to correct improprieties, and but little guidance 
and warnings of harmfulness is necessary. 

CLOTHING. 
Children's clothing should be suited to the season to insure 
comfort, and of such construction as to insure freedom in ac- 
tion. Substantial clothing is an economy. Unhoused stock 
always look shabby, the foods leave but little show of nour- 
ishment and the stock are of but little value ; they lack energy, 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 489 

vigor, impulse. This neglect of care gives the same result 
among not only children in the human family, but also adults. 

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE CARE OF 

CHILDREN. 

In those conditions frequently manifesting in children under 
ten years old where they fret in their sleep, murmur, chew, 
grit the teeth, and try to swallow, scream out as if in great 
distress, or jump out of the bed in sleep, prohibit supper and 
administer a hot water sponge bath, before sending the child 
to bed; repeat this for six or eight nights. During the day 
give the following: Add five drops of nux vomica, to four 
ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture, to a 
child one to ten years old, every three hours. Give a powder 
(see remedies in this book) every other night, or every fourth 
night for two weeks, if recovery is not attained from above 
treatment sooner. Frequently one dose of the powder in ad- 
dition to the above treatment is sufficient. Or the following 
serves : Take glycerine and simple syrup, of each, two ounces ; 
tincture of buchu, one-fourth of an ounce, and fluid extract of 
cascara, half an ounce ; tincture of ginger, two drachms ; and 
podophyllin, one-eighth of a grain. Mix, and give a teaspoon- 
ful to a child from two to six years old, every night just 
before putting it to bed, for three of four nights or longer if 
needed. 

The above distresses arise from over-eating, from the 
digestive function being improperly performed, also to de- 
fective excretion. 

Many small children suffer unduly from ailments which de- 
velope from exposures to chill during sleep, from kicking from 
under the covers. This is easily obviated by putting them to 
sleep in an eider-down or other thick woolen gown, made 
closed over the feet, and the sleeves closed over the hands, and 



490 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

fastened at the neck closely, by means of a draw-string. 
Proper attention to this will repay the labor it costs, several 
times over each year, in addition to the great amount of 
suffering avoided, the danger of croup, diphtheria, enlarged 
tonsils, bed- wetting, nose-run, and various annoyances being 
escaped. 

In the care of children, too much bathing can be indulged in, 
washing for absolute cleansing only, being admissible to a large 
number. Those constituting this class are those with cold feet 
and hands, or the surface of the body too cold, or the flesh 
moist or flabby, or with nose-run, or with watery eyes. In 
those cases, washing with hot water applied with a silk or 
woolen rag, never exposing the body to chill air while wet, 
serves best. An inunction of lard, to two ounces of which has 
been added half an ounce of rose water, is beneficial in these 
cases. 

OBSERVE WHEN CROUP Y SYMPTOMS APPEAR. 

In conditions of croup, there is a morbid lymphatic secre- 
tion, or lympho-mucous, or thickened lymph ; it may and 
does form a thick, tough, tenacious covering of the inner 
walls of the larynx, or trachea or both. Its appearance is due 
to a morbid condition of the system. But the local manifest- 
ation having been permitted to manifest, both local and con- 
stitutional conditions must be righted. 

But quick relief must be obtained, and hot water judi- 
ciously used, will most safely and promptly give it. No child 
that ever had an attack of the croup, is too young to be in- 
duced to swallow water, and -water as hot as can be supped 
without burning; and as soon as the child experiences a sense 
of relief, it will crave it and take it willingly. Get it to take 
all of the hot water you can. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 491 

If progress is too far advanced to be able to get the patient 
to take the hot water, then make a mop-swab, saturate it 
with glycerine, press down the tongue, and with the mop-swab 
wipe out the throat. It can be done in an instant, and im- 
mediate relief manifests. This treatment is efficient, and is 
easily administered by anybody that can do anything. 

Apply freely over the throat the following liniment : Take 
equal parts of spirits of camphor, glycerine, essence of pepper- 
mint, turpentine and castor oil. Mix. 

Try this treatment. Relief will come before a physician 
can get there — send for one, but don't sit idle, for doctors do 
not like to go to funerals. 

CHILDREN'S FEVERS. 

From birth to four or five years old children are more or 
less annoyed with attacks of feverishness, occasionally accom- 
panied by constipation or diarrhea. The child becomes fretful, 
the lips are dry and parched, the hands and breath hot, pulse 
frequent, head warm and painful; sleep is disturbed and thirst 
troublesome, the tongue is found nastily coated, the breath 
fetid, occasionally they are drowsy and stupid. If the little 
sufferer can talk and is asked where it hurts, it will almost 
invariably place its hand on its head and belly. 

If the mother will learn to watch closely, and when she 
observes the tongue coating up, the breath with offensive 
odor, the skin becoming stained yellowish, pale, or dark brown, 
and offensive odors cling about the sweat, and the child fretful 
or cross, the proper remedy can be given before the morbid 
condition is advanced, and thus save multitudes of sufferings. 

The following is a reliable and convenient remedy for these 
little sufferers: Take simple syrup, three ounces ; glycerine, four 
ounces; fluid extract of cascara, one ounce; tincture of 



492 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

buchu, one ounce ; essence of peppermint, two ounces ; 
and podophyllin, one grain. Mix. Shake the bottle each time 
before administering a dose. Dose : A teaspoonful for children 
from nine months old to three years, given at night. From 
three to five years old, give a dose at seven, and one at ten 
P. M. It may be given in the day, but by giving it at night, 
the child is quiet and undisturbed, which is desirable; and it 
is rare that more attention is required until morning. 

The following is a good powder that may be given as 
above: Take podophyllin, one-half a grain; sugar of milk, 
thirty grains; santonine, two grains. Thoroughly triturate. 
Dose : Two grains of the powder, mixed in water, for children 
from three to five years old. A dose of this given at seven and 
ten P. M., and another at eight the next morning, serves well. 
Let three days pass and repeat in the same way again. This 
amount will generally place the child in good recovering con- 
dition, which will go on without further medication. 

STOMATITIS.— THRUSH.-APHTHEA. 

The disturbances given the above names arise from the 
same causes, present the same symptoms differing only in de- 
grees of severity, and will, if not properly treated, end with 
the same result — fatally. Appearing in infancy and childhood, 
hand-fed and ill-nourished children are its most frequent vic- 
tims. 

In its manifestation the mucous membrane of the mouth and 
tongue present an inflamed condition, and generally there are 
thick white, or yellowish-white, fur-like patches on the tongue, 
the walls of the mouth and the gums, usually more distinct 
than the patches seen in the disturbance called diphtheria — it 
arises from the same causes as diphtheria, and if permitted to 
continue, progresses exactly alike, and results alike — fatally, if 
not cured. When the patches appear it indicates that the folli- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 493 

cles and glands are more deeply inflamed or disturbed, have 
formed pus, and ejected it, or the mucous Has become very 
much thickened. Occasionally there is but little exhibition of 
these patches, and the soreness is intense, the surfaces in the 
mouth and throat appearing red, and exhibiting much inflam- 
mation. 

Usually in the commencement of the attack, there is a co- 
pious flow of saliva, but occasionally the mouth presents a 
parched, or dry appearance. The child is restless, fretful, and 
exhibits distress when attempting to nurse or eat. The bow- 
els are disturbed with flatulence and griping, alvine discharges 
frequently become free, watery, or green and curded, or both. 

There usually accompanies some degree of fever. There is fre- 
quently a marked measles eruption, or like that of scarlet fever. 
When these last two named symptoms appear it usually indi- 
cates a greater degree of severity of the morbid condition. 
Frequently the inflammation extends throughout the aliment- 
ary canal, as is evidenced by the inflamed condition about the 
anus, where also occasionally appear ulcers. 

Its cause is due to an ill-nourished condition of the general 
system, and a deranged and debilitated condition of the di- 
gestive function, somewhat to a condition of biliousness. 

Comfort about the mouth is of first importance, as it is the 
gateway to the repair laboratory — the stomach. We will pre- 
pare a wash that will at once give a marked comfort, curing 
the local trouble in the mouth, which is a deal of help on the 
road to recovery: Take sage leaves (fresh gathered or dry) as 
much as half a pint and add as much boiling water. Let boil 
five minutes if the sage is dry, or just boil up briskly if the 
sage is fresh picked, then strain the tea. To a teacupful of the 
tea add half as much honey, or add sufficient sugar to the tea 
to make it nearly a syrup; then add an even teaspoonful of 



494 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

golden seal and a fourth as much powdered borax. Mix well. 
Place a couple of tablespoonfuls of this mixture in a dish or 
cup, place a soft cloth over your finger, dip it in the prepara- 
tion in the dish, and then carefully wash all parts of the mouth 
you can reach with your finger, which will extend down be- 
tween the tonsils. When administering these washes do not 
squeeze out the surplus tea, but leave the cloth well full of it. 
It does no injury if some of it is swallowed. 

In severe cases the washing should be administered three 
times a day ; in milder cases less frequently will do. 

To a very young child the castoria may be given in addi- 
tion to the above. The castor oil mixture directed in this book 
in the treatment of hives, given sufficiently to purge, also serves 
well. 

Tincture of nux vomica, five drops added to four ounces of 
water; a teaspoonful of this mixture given three times a day 
to a child eight months to a year and a half old, acts well in 
assisting recovery. 

NERVOUSNESS IN CHILDREN. 

Nervousness arises from various causes, and when it mani- 
fests, makes the subject very undesirable companionship, in 
addition to its own personal suffering. 

Children when not bathed as often as their make-up re- 
quires will become unpleasantly nervous. To this class belong 
the fat children, and those of a lymphatic temperament, to a 
degree. The fat ones will usually do well washed with warm 
water, using plenty of soap. The lymphatic ones must have 
hot water, and if disposed to sweat freely, will at least need 
a bath two or three times a week. One-fourth of an ounce of 
aqua ammonia, or the same quantity of essence of peppermint, 
added to three gallons of water used for the bath, adds tone 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 495 

to the tissues. The lean, skinny children usually like the daily 
sponge bath, the water being used rather warm. 

Other causes conducive to nervousness in children, are very 
like the causes which produce this condition in adults — as in- 
digestion, over-eating, improper food, deficient excretion per- 
mitting effete material to remain in the body too long, defi- 
cient muscular exercise to aid the system in cleansing itself, 
deficient sleep, undue excitement, worryings, vexings, unpleas- 
ant environments. 

A good plan for managing these cases of nervousness is to 
give a dose of the powder containing santonine, directed in 
children's fevers, just before the child goes to sleep at night, 
and the first thing the child is permitted to have the next 
morning, give ;it a dose of Garfield Tea. Repeat this every 
other to every fourth day so long as needed. 

If the nervousness has been permitted to progress to con- 
siderable degree, in addition to the above, give the following 
during the day for two or three days: Take tincture of acon- 
ite, five drops ; tincture of nux vomica, five drops ; water, four 
ounces. Mix. Give a teaspoonful every two hours during the 
day. It is rare that the above powder mixture, or the pow- 
der mixture and doses of Garfield Tea will not alone meet all 
requirements. In mild cases a few doses of Garfield Tea, a dose 
the first thing of mornings for several mornings, will serve the 
needs. Also the above directed nux vomica mixture alone, 
serves in some cases. 

The baths, pleasant environments, and agreeable quiet, 
prohibiting supper a few days and permitting but moderate 
quantity at other meals of plain foods, is all that is needed in 
some cases. 



496 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

HEADACHE OF CHILDREN. 

The various types of headache which annoy children arise 
from many of the same causes that promote headache in the 
adult — as deranged digestion, over-eating, insufficient urinary 
excretion, constipated bowels, too much social excitement, pro- 
longed study, exhaustion from over-work or exercise, and pro- 
longed exposure to heat or cold. 

Sufficient rest and quiet must be obtained, eating properly 
regulated, and the excretory functions of the kidneys and bow- 
els established. 

Children that are gross eaters, a dose of salts given occa- 
sionally will improve their health. 

Leptandra, two drops, given in a teaspoonful of water, 
three times a day, for from five to seven days, gives relief when 
there are gaseous accumulations in the stomach and bowels. 
This serves in some cases for the grown-up ones. 

If the skin is yellow, tongue coated yellow, the conjunc- 
tivia yellow, give a teaspoonful of the following three times a 
day before meals : Take chionanthus, one and one-half drachms ; 
water, four ounces. Mix. The above dose is suited for a child 
from four to twelve years old. Also the dose named below. 

Some cases require remedies a little more active, and for 
such the following is adapted : Take simple syrup, olive oil 
and glycerine, of each two ounces; fluid extract of cascara 
aromatic, one ounce; cinchona cal., two drachms; tincture of 
buchu, one ounce, and podophyllin, one grain. Mix, and shake 
the bottle each time before giving a dose. If the headache is 
severe, give a teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours, 
till free alvine action is seen. From one to three doses is usu- 
ally sufficient, for this action. Then give a dose once or twice 
a week, as long as needed. A tablespoonful of this mixture 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 497 

taken as above, acts kindly with the grown-up bodies, to re- 
lieve headaches. 

CHOLERA INFANTUM. 

Cholera infantum is a disturbance of digestion appearing 
among infants from five months old to two years old. It some- 
times proves very perplexing. From its appearance in the ex- 
treme heated season, it is evident that the depressing effects of 
heat largely influence its development ; added to this may be 
some nervous disturbance arising from the development of, and 
the eruption or cutting of the first set of teeth, as assisting 
causes ; the teeth nerves being so nearly connected, or sympathet- 
ically associated with the nerves of the digestive organs, slight 
causes may provoke irritation and disturbance of function, 
and diarrhea, vomiting, and general prostration may result. 

In but a few days, what was but a slight irritation, pro- 
gresses to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the 
stomach and bowels ; eventually the inflammation becomes 
more deeply seated, diarrhea and vomiting become more diffi- 
cult to control, and rapid emaciation ensues. The tongue is 
usually coated dirty white, or yellowish white, and the feet and 
hands dispose to remain cold. From irritation and from so much 
fluid being discharged from the system by diarrhea and vomiting, 
the thirst is great. The child frequently screams, which is an 
indication of great suffering. The restless tossings of the head, 
and delirium, are reflexes from the abnormal condition of the 
digestive tract, and disappear when the abnormal condition 
of the digestive function is righted. The alvine discharges 
become frequent, watery, clay colored, offensive, green colored, 
or curded and mixed with mucous, and sometimes the dis- 
charges are chiefly blood, or blood and mucous. 

19— 



498 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The condition of the mother's health materially affects the 
condition of her milk, and if the child is nursing the mother 
when her health is abnormal, it is injurious to it. 

How much surrounding filths and filthy utensils and foods 
may influence in the severity, or the prevention of a cure in 
these cases is difficult to determine. The writer has witnessed 
as severe cases in families where the little sufferer was sur- 
rounded and supplied with every discernible need, in the most 
cleanly condition, as she has seen in the most abject poverty, 
filth, deprivations, and neglect, and under both situations has 
seen recoveries. But certainly cleanliness at all times in life, is 
most desirable and agreeable as the human being is a most 
dirty object at best, and requires constant looking after in 
matters of cleanliness both within and without the body. 

When this sickness has begun making its appearance, do 
not neglect proper attention, but begin to rectify the morbid 
condition and influences. Keep the sick away from the depres- 
sing heat — the mother also, if the child is nursing her. A light 
weight all wool or a half wool garment should be worn to at 
least cover the chest and bowels. This modifies both the con- 
dition of heat and cold in effect better than other materials. 

Add a fourth of an ounce of essence of peppermint to a gal- 
lon of the water used for sponge-bathing the child. And hot 
water serves the best, quieting the nervousness, adds some 
fluidity to the system at a temperature that does not entail 
loss to the system, disperses feverishness, gives an agreeable 
tonic effect, and prevents the taking of cold. This sponge-bath 
may be administered with good results, but there must not be 
too much time consumed in administering it. 

Add one drachm of chionanthus to the castor oil mix- 
ture directed in the treatment of hives, in this book, and give 
a teaspoonful of this mixture three times a day, to once a day, 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 499 

so long as needed. This serves better than most any other 
remedy, and in many cases no other remedy is required. 

Tincture of nux vomica, five drops ; tincture of aconite, five 
drops; water four ounces. Mix. A teaspoonful of this mixture 
given every three hours, during the day, breaks up an attack 
in its immediate onset, in many cases. If the condition has 
well manifested, its effect is beneficial given with the above 
remedies. 

Elixir of lactopeptine, a teaspoonful given a child from eight 
months to a year old, given after the meal, good results have 
followed. The best results from this, however, are seen in 
cases already well progressing towards recovery. 

Glycerine, two ounces ; extract of malt, one ounce ; and 
pepsin, eight grains. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mix- 
ture every four hours the first day, then three times a day. It 
aids digestion, and establishes the function of the liver, it al- 
lays irritation, and its action is mild. No other medicine must 
be given while giving this. 

Take tincture of wild cherry bark, two ounces ; tincture of 
prickly ash bark, one ounce ; tincture of gentian, one fourth of 
a drachm ; golden seal tea, half an ounce ; glycerine, five 
ounces ; and essence of peppermint one ounce. Mix, and to a child 
nine to fifteen months old, give half of a teaspoonful three 
times a day before meals. No other medicine must be given 
while taking this. A little simple syrup may be added to im- 
prove the taste, or it may be given in syrup. 

Equal parts of cinnamon, ginger, golden seal and sugar, 
well mixed, a fourth of a teaspoonful of this mixture given be- 
fore dinner and before supper, good results have been obtained. 
This can be given in water or syrup. 

Take olive or castor oil and spirits of camphor, of each 
two ounces ; essence of peppermint, one ounce. Mix and apply 



500 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a teaspoonful of the mixture over the abdomen once a day. 
Its effect is soothing and healing and promotes warmth over 
these parts. 

When the tissues remain flabby, the surface of the body 
unduly cool and moist, add a teaspoonful of black pepper to a 
quart of warm water and sponge the body every day for three 
days, then once or twice a "week. 

Some of these cases do well on the following remedy : Take 
capsella, two drachms; water, four ounces. Mix. To a child 
one year old give one teaspoonful three times a day. It alone 
has proved curative. It improves the condition of the kidneys, 
improves digestion, checks the diarrhea and lends a tonic con- 
dition to the system, thereby bringing about recovery. 

Wm. S. MerrelFs Alkaline Elixir is very valuable in this 
sickness, removing the irritating material from the alimentary 
canal, neutralizing the acid fermentation, favors digestion, and 
promotes intestinal antisepsis. Give no other medicine when 
giving this. 

These remedies given as directed cleanse the system, arouse 
biliary secretion and give tone to the system. Until this is 
effected digestion and assimilation will not perform and progress 
to recovery cannot be effected. 

Keep these little sufferers quiet and prevent undue exposure 
to the hot sun and the varying heat of the kitchen. 

If the child is nursing its mother, her health must be placed 
in the best possible condition. If the child is nursing the bot- 
tle, wean it, and give its food with a spoon ; even if it is fed 
milk, this must be fed with a spoon or supped. The milk 
should not be given alone. Thoroughly well cooked barley or 
barley meal may be added to the milk ; corn bread (made with 
sour milk, soda, eggs, salt and corn meal) may be added to the 
milk; well cooked rice added to it, plain crackers, brown 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 501 

toast — any and all of these articles of food are permissible and 
valuable. 

Horlick's Malted Milk has served very well in some of 
these cases. It is not a milk alone, but is combined with 
cereals. 

As to exactly just what foods, and how to present them, 
there can be no positive rules and articles confined to ; depend- 
ence must be put on testing, observation and sensible judg- 
ment, but best results have followed the above plan of feeding. 

Excellent results are sometimes seen to follow the permit- 
ting of some foods quite out of the ordinary line usually given 
infants. The writer witnessed a very hopeless case take on 
new life and speed to recovery, when it was permitted to eat 
smoked ham boiled, roasted beef and roasted chicken. The 
patient was only about eleven months old. 

The juice of fresh orange permitted freely to these little 
sufferers, any time during the day, greatly favors a normal 
condition of the alimentary tract. 

A pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper added to the 
milk aids in dispersing inflamed conditions of the alimentary 
tract. 

An agreeable adjunct to the milk, and one that agrees with 
many of these cases, is boiled bread. A pint or quart of flour 
confined in a cloth and boiled from two and a half to four 
hours, according to the quantity ; the doughy part removed 
and a portion of the remainder grated off and added to milk, 
also a pinch of salt and one of black pepper added, makes a 
nutritious food and one that is relished by many. It must be 
fed with a spoon. 

Just as early as it is possible to do so, a child must be 
prohibited from taking its milk from the nursing bottle, neither 
must it drink it. Instead, feed the milk to the child with a 



502 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

spoon. This permits the milk entering the stomach in small 
quantity at a time, which permits the gastric juices better act- 
ing upon it than they can possibly do when the milk is drunk 
or nursed from the bottle in a continuous flow. 

When the milk is nursed or drunk it enters the stomach in 
a large mass in which it curds, and in which condition the 
gastric juices can not efficiently act upon it, and especially 
when the child is debilitated, as in the condition of cholera in- 
fantum. This is distressingly over-taxing to the stomach, it 
frequently becoming impossible for it to manage it at all, and 
in these cases generally causes convulsions, and no doubt has 
caused many deaths. 

When cow's milk is fed, the best results are obtained by 
giving the milk fresh from the udder, while it retains the ani- 
mal heat. 

Pure olive oil is an excellent remedy for the bowel disturb- 
ances of children. It does good, not harm, and in addition to 
it rectifying morbid conditions, a portion of it digests and helps 
to nourish the sufferers. 

In cases where the patient is greatly emaciated olive oil 
may be applied — may be used as an inunction over the body, 
especially over the bowels, with good results; one especially 
good result being that it preserves the warmth and heat of the 
body and prevents undue chill, which is very favorable even if 
no other benefit is obtained from the inunction. 

Olive oil ranks largely as a food, foods satisfy hunger and 
should satisfy every need in the bodily economy. To be more 
explicit, every need of the bodily economy for its continuance 
should be found in our daily foods — not put there by accident 
or artificially, but be embodied in it naturally. It certainly is. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 503 

LARGE ABDOMEN IN CHILDREN AND INFANTS. 

Children exhibiting unduly large abdomen are victims of 
dyspepsia, this over enlargement being due to gastrointesti- 
nal morbidness. When it is found to exist, attention should be 
given to place the function of digestion in a normal condition. 
The condition most frequently appears in nursing children, or 
children under three years old, usually those that drink con- 
siderable milk, and sometimes those that drink considerable 
coffee. These little ones present a dirty-sallow appearance of 
the skin, the tongue is usually broad, flabby and coated whitish 
yellow. 

If the child is in the habit of drinking milk, or nursing it 
from a bottle, prohibit this, and have the milk supped or taken 
from a spoon. The following serves a kindly purpose in re- 
lieving these sufferers : Take taraxacum, one drachm ; and water, 
four ounces. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
four hours every day for a week or two. Or two drops of 
leptandra, given in a teaspoonful of water, three times a day, 
before meals. Also, the preparation containing cascara and 
podophyllin, named for the treatment of headache of children 
in this work, and given as there directed, disperses this condi- 
tion. 

NIGHT TERRORS. 
Children in very early childhood, especially from the time 
of the beginning of giving general foods, frequently scream out 
in their sleep, chew, grit their teeth, are restless, toss about, 
frequently leave the bed, and appear insensible to surroundings, 
and are difficult to arouse. 

The condition is frequently caused by continually stuffing or 
feeding them throughout the day, thus not only prostrating 
and deranging the stomach by the continued over-loading, and 
the stomach being continually annoyed, but the entire system, 



504 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

digestion, secretion, and excretion, converting the little ones 
into a bundle of abnormality. 

Occasionally the child's night gown binds or pinches it. Or 
excretion's demands were neglected before being put to bed, 
and the accumulations are causing distress. 

Stop the all-day feeding and let the stomach and digestive 
organs have rest from over work, over excitation and over 
stimulation, see that the clothing does not punish the child, 
and also that the urination and evacuation of the bowels are 
attended to before the child retires to bed. For a child three 
years old, add five drops of nux vomica to four ounces of 
water, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture three times a day 
for three or four days or a week. If there then remains a dis- 
position of the annoyance to exhibit, give the mixture contain- 
ing podophyllin prescribed in treatments of headaches of chil- 
dren, as there directed. 

FREQUENCY OF URINATION IN INFANTS 
AND CHILDREN. 

In a healthy child the urine is colorless and limpid ; it does 
not stain linens. The frequency of the discharges varies in the 
best of conditions of health, sometimes occurring as often as 
every hour, especially in very early infancy, and again not more 
frequent than once in two or three hours, to less frequent as 
the child grows older. And, while the frequency is less the 
quantity is greater. 

When urination does not occur in twelve or fifteen hours 
the matter should have attention. Stainings of the naperies or 
linens, also indicate abnormal, and should be corrected. 

GYNECOLOGY. 

The term gynecology has reference to the manifestations of 
ailments especially exhibiting with females. The treatment of 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 505 

these accompaniments and disturbances being of a delicate 
nature, requires both skill and tender care. Surveying both 
the past and present, we find that men have and habitually 
do render treatments and attentions in these situations of not 
only married women but the young lady also, and that men 
who are not men of family are accepted as being quite proper. 

Generation after generation men have usurped the instructions 
of the human family in the proprieties, or the proper thing to 
do, being especially particular to direct and limit the line of 
walk, liberties and duties of women. This training woman 
accepted without question, and the products of both past and 
present have been and are women cultured into immodest mod- 
esty verging into a gross deficiency of self-respect. As a result 
of this cultured immodesty not only married women but young 
girls willingly relate all the delicacies of their ailments to any 
male physician without the least repulsion, and really enjoy 
the situation or privilege of doing so, as a fine species of re- 
finement rather than the indignity it is. 

This cultured immodest modesty from long training has 
become so inground in woman that she not only refinedly (?) 
acquiesces in the acceptance of male practitioners from choice, 
refusing to employ the services of a lady physician, but indus- 
triously uses her influence and powers to drive women from 
the field of the practice of medicine, and dressed in her cultured 
immodest modesty, she scorns the woman who has made her- 
self competent to treat the ailments of both sexes and treats 
them, in which field the competent and trustworthy physician 
finds a broad range for conservatism, and the while this cul- 
tured, modest woman unveils the delicacies of her invalidism 
to the sex of her choice, self-confident, yet failing to see the 
real picture she has presented by the display. 



506 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Male gynecologists grow rich by magnifying the serious- 
ness of women's ailments, for strange as it may seem, the 
most serious and most obstinate cases develope among families 
who are "able to pay!" 

OBSERVATIONS. 

A very large per cent, of women's ailments, especially moth- 
ers, can only be benefited or cured by rest — rest — not medicine; 
a rest of body and mind — rest of the entire being. In many of 
these cases there is next to an impossibility for such a thing as 
rest to be even thought of, especially in cases of mothers over- 
burdened with an army of children, much less the finding of 
time that rest can be indulged in to give a chance for the or- 
ganisms of the body to spring up and gain strength and en- 
ergy to continue life. 

There is no member of the family whose absence so thor- 
oughly disrupts the economy of the home, as the absence of 
the mother. The one who can see through the impulsive, on- 
rushing, mysterious meshes of the overwhelming needs of the 
mother being constantly at service for the family, and can de- 
vise an adjustment, a righting about, or arrangement of the 
home economy so that a time may be found for rest for the 
mother, is the physician who is sufficiently skilled to prescribe 
that medicine — rest — that will cure a very large number of 
these cases. 

DISEASES OF FEMALES. 

Many have generally been led to believe that there is a mar- 
velous difference in the process and specific nature of diseases 
which inhabit the body of females and males. But the differ- 
ence, however, is astonishingly less than is supposed, disease in 
the bodily economy of female and male being complimental 
and alike and the medical treatment identical. The material 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 507 

of both bodies is alike, both of perishable matter, both decay 
and wear out alike and from like causes, and the materials of 
each are alike renewed, replaced, or repaired. And medicines 
which promote repairative processes, and scavenging or clean- 
ing out of the worn out and useless materials for one will 
produce like results for the other. Nutrition, excretion, and 
rest, permit and build up a rundown or diseased condition in 
both. In addition to the materials of both bodies being of the 
same composition, we note that the anatomical structure of 
the female and male in animal life are complimental of each 
other, and nowhere is this more marked than in the human 
family. (This complimental condition is by no means conclu- 
sive evidence that the male was created first, but from a sen- 
sible view of the matter, is rather corroborative that the 
female was first created than otherwise, if there is a £rst in 
either case.) In the male there are the rudimentary mammary 
glands with their primitive nipples, which though not seem- 
ingly designed by nature for giving suck, yet it has been re- 
ported that they have actually performed this function — that 
of giving suck. Throughout the anatomical body the same 
complimental plan continues in the organs associated with re- 
production. And though there is difference in contour of form, 
when becoming diseased both must be treated alike for like 
conditions and causes which present alike throughout the 
realm of disease in both sexes. 

Very, very exceedingly much of the disturbances in both 
female and male whieh are claimed to arise from and due to 
some diseased condition of the reproductive organs, are in no 
way, either locally, reflexedly, or sympathetically associated 
or connected with these organs, very especially among the 
virtuous classes. 

The treatment of diseases among women constitutes the 
largest part of the physician's practice. Take women patients 



508 THK MEDICAL ADYISER. 

from the field of the practice of medicine, and pretty much all 
of the doctor's occupation would be gone. To woman's ignor- 
ance of herself— the physiology of her body, and especially the 
physiology of her sexual apparatus, is largely due to the pre- 
disposing cause of supposed disease of these organs, which in 
about ninety-five cases of every hundred or more who suppose 
she is afflicted with disease of these organs, is purely imagin- 
ary — the disturbance in the pelvic region, when any is present, 
being due to retained feces and urine, in most all cases. Women 
feel impairment of strength and health, and through not know- 
ing anything of their bodily economy, and having been mis- 
guided by either ignorant or evil designing physicians, at once 
conclude there is no other location for disease. As the writer 
above states a chief exciting cause is the treatment woman re- 
ceives from man — not wholly confined to the man who is her 
husband — which in many cases is by no means creditable to the 
angels that the good minister would have the world believe 
men to be, but the man who is her medical attendant and ad- 
viser, who either from ignorance, or a desire to speculate, im- 
poses innumerable tortures and maltreatments upon her. In 
addition to the above the woman contributes to her misfor- 
tunes and sufferings chiefly through neglect to evacuate the 
bowels and bladder, to errors in her living and dress, and her 
employing of means to "bring her around. " 

The reproductive organs are an apparatus which, if reason- 
ably well cared for, keeps well and feels comfortable. In the 
female there are three or four days "monthly sickness," during 
which there is a slight sensation of relaxation of the usual 
tone of the system, with perhaps a little nervousness. Loss of 
tone, change of function and secretion that accompany other 
organs, are found in these organs proportionate as they exhibit in 
the other organs — always exhibiting in the repairative and gen- 
eral excretory organs first, and the repair in all is alike. While 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 509 

it is true that the reproductive organs have a function to per- 
form, these, like the heart, make no change in the materials of 
the economy of the body (the tissues), and the parts of these or- 
gans being repaired or renewed as are the tissues and parts of 
the remainder of the body, namely, from the foods well di- 
gested, from nutrition and by assimilation ; hence, when the 
general body is well these organs are well, if they have been 
sufficiently let alone. The eruption occasionally seen on the 
skin, tbe irritating discharge, is due to changed or perverted 
excretion, to a morbidness in the general system, or to undis- 
guised dirt — the changed excretion being due to a morbid con- 
dition of the general health. In fact a multitude of these an- 
noying little unpleasant disturbances readily disperse by using 
plentifully of soap and "water, discontinuing unpleasant habits 
and taking sufficient rest. 

The unnecessary vaginal examination of both married and 
unmarried women, and that by male doctors, is not only 
greatly to be deplored, but is certainly a reproach upon the 
refined enlightenment for which the disappearing nineteenth cen- 
tury is so prominently posing. This, on the part of woman, 
is due in a measure to her being too lazy to exercise the energy 
necessary to obtain knowledge of her own body, to a deficiency 
of means from "which to obtain such knowledge, and the im- 
modesty of most women to prefer (it shames the writer to have 
to say this) consulting male doctors regarding their health, 
thus willingly encouraging the grossest indignities by -welcom- 
ing these trespasses into the most sacred precincts of the priv- 
acies of their lives ; and on the other part, to the evil inten- 
tions chiefly, and ignorance of male doctors, who in pursuing 
these unnecessary persecutions, take undue advantage of 
women's ignorance, misguide them regarding their ailments, 
and thus induce them to submit to their unnecessary tinker- 
ings; and by introductions of the sound, propping up the 



510 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

uterus with pessaries and pledgets, applying excoriating, and 
tissue-destroying medicines, thus by this destroying means 
and the poisons embodied in these medicines, create a diseased 
condition which did not at all exist before. They prescribe 
and excite the patient into a nervous frenzy, and continue this 
persecution till she is prostrated from the persecution, fre- 
quently not desisting till the patient is a complete wreck, or 
dies. Nitrate of silver and many other caustics used by many 
of those who treat diseases of females especially, not only set 
up inflammation, but poisonous ulcerations and abnormal 
growths, which are then very kindly called "cancer" to further 
augment the nerve-strain upon the patient. These inflam- 
matory processes and other diseased conditions which have 
been set up by improper medication and aggravating treat- 
ment about the womb, permanently impair the physical con- 
dition and prevent the repair of the nervous system. The true 
facts are that nearly every case reported to have womb and 
ovarian disease is absolutely free from such condition. 

It is the opinion of the writer that the average male doctor 
knows no more about the natural position, or the healthiness 
or unhealthines of the uterus, in either the virgin or the 
woman who has had children, and but little more of its an- 
atomical structure and plan, than most married men. 

The misuse of the rectum in causing it to cease to be a 
canal or tube carrying excreta from the body, and forcing it to 
become a storage sac holding from a quart to half a peck or 
more, the fecal accumulations of days and in some cases weeks, 
thus destroying its habit of daily evacuations, causes nearly 
every disturbance in the pelvic region. This morbid condition, 
greatly aided by deficient urinary excretion, both creates and 
aggravates morbid conditions, giving rise to irritations, dis- 
tressed and disturbed sensations in the pelvic region, causing 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 511 

hemorrhoids both internal and external, irritations of the 
rectal walls, eczema without and within the sphincter, small 
growths other than piles, leucorrhea, irregular menstruation, 
dismenorrhea, and many nervous disturbances, headache, back- 
ache, legs-ache, inflammation of the bladder, and morbid dis- 
charges from its canal ; the pressure from these excreta causes 
unpleasant sensations in these parts, and their absorption con- 
taminating the blood causes a general deterioration of the gen- 
eral health, loss of appetite, loss of strength, and associated 
with this local derangement are reflex pains and constitutional 
nervousness or irritability. 

The very largest per cent, of all mental and physical dis- 
turbances are directly traceable to inactivity of the kidneys and 
bowels. These organs are excretory organs for conveying the 
debris and detritus of digestion and the bodily economy from 
the body, and when these materials are not kept excreted, re- 
tention is followed by absorption, thus producing an auto- 
infection or really poisoned condition of the blood — depressing, 
perverting and preventing the functions of all of the economy 
of the body, causing the functions of life to be languidly per- 
formed, the brain to become sluggish and digestion and assim- 
ilation to become impeded. 

The sympathy between the urinary organs and the brain 
is much closer than that of the reproductive organs and the 

J. o 

brain, and derangements of the urinary organs are very, very 
frequently taken for derangements of the reproductive organs. 
The solid constituents of the urine are the detritus of the gen- 
eral economy of the body — the ashes of the body, together with 
excess of foods, which food substance not having been assimi- 
lated decomposes if unduly retained, and it together with the 
detritus of the bodily economy becomes poisoning factors, 
causing both mental and physical derangement of most serious 
aspect. 



512 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The woman whose nervous system has given way tinder 
the strain of domestic cares, monotony, and perhaps abuse — 
exhibits utter wearinesss, wakefulness, nerve-exhaustion — a 
general sensation of breakdown throughout her body; the 
backache, headache, legs-ache and the bearing-down feeling. This 
is due very largely to lack of rest, mentally and physically, 
to permit the forces of nature — the forces of the entire bodily 
economy — to gather up and take on new energy to continue 
life; and the insanities exhibiting in these cases are due to the 
causes which produced the breakdown, and the nerve-strain 
put upon these cases by the medical attendant's misrepresen- 
tations of the ailments, and his magnifying the degree of 
seriousness existing, which destroys the little remaining of the 
power of the balance-wheel of the nervous system, and not 
to derangements of the reproductive organs (the same is true also 
in nearly every breakdown of men), but the gynecologist well 
knows that if he honestly prescribes for the real needs in the 
case, which is rest, his fee is cut short, so he finds some dis- 
ease of the reproductive organs present. 

The real desideratum in effecting a cure in nearly every one 
of these cases, is to restore the equilibrium of the excretory 
functions, by rousing the liver to proper activity, and taking 
plentiful of rest and recreation, plentiful of wholesome and nu- 
tritious foods, and keep the body well cleansed by the liberal 
use of soap and water, and free from excessive sexual excita- 
tions. 

If women who are troubled with headaches, backaches, 
abdominal pains, itchings and burnings in the vaginal, rectal, 
or urinary regions, leucorrhea, heavy and dragging sensations, 
will take a soaking hot water sitz-b at h, and a vigorous sponge- 
bath to the whole surface of the body, using soap and hot 
water freely, every day for two or three weeks, and keep up a 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 513 

vigorous action from kidneys and bowels by taking a medi- 
cine that acts freely on the liver, and take a general rest-up 
and recreation, the " female diseases" will disappear, and she 
will retain her bodv in comfort and her mind and health in 
normal condition. 

For obtaining the actions above described, any of the mix- 
tures containing podophyllin and cascara directed in this book, 
taken as there directed, is effective, and can be relied on. 

The use of speculums, supporters, and suppositories are 
stocks in trade, that for the betterment of womankind and 
girlkind also, it were better they were cast to the bottom of 
the sea, and their factories turned to give out something more 
productive of good. The unnecessary use to which these pro- 
ducts are continually put is productive of much harm and no 
good, no case being benefited by the use of them, but is left 
worse. 

DISPLACEMENTS OF THE UTERUS. 

By the terms displacements of the uterus, is understood to 
imply some decided removal of the uterus from its normal 
position. Four forms of displacements are much written about 
by authors and talked of by many physicians, namely, a fall- 
ing down too low or ascending up too high; an ante-nexton 
or falling forward; a retro- version, or a falling backward; 
latero-version, or turning to one side; and, inversion, or turn- 
ing of the uterus inside out. 

There is no organ in the bodily economy that admits of 
so great a range in change of position as the womb; both 
adapting itself to change in itself, as during gestation, and to 
its surroundings as when it is imposed upon by an over-full 
bladder in front of it, or a packed and greatly distended colon 
back of it. Though its range or change of position is great, 
20- 



514 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

this is a plan of nature suited to its physiological needs. 
Much range of change of position may take place, without 
creating a diseased condition or causing the woman to exper- 
ience any suffering, and which changes are not consequent 
upon a condition of disease. But a bladder distended with 
decomposing urine, and the rectal canal packed and distended 
with fecal matters that may have been accumulating for days 
and perhaps weeks — these effete materials continuing pressure 
upon these parts — not wholly upon the uterus, but upon all of 
these pelvic parts, infect, and impede pelvic circulation to slug- 
gishness, irritate and tender the surrounding parts, causing 
distress, but markedly different from diseases of the womb. By 
observation any woman can learn very much about her own 
bodily economy, and can learn to discern these differences. 

It is so exceedingly rare that cases of either ante-version, 
retro-version or latero-version are met in which an abnormal 
change of displacement, in either direction to the extent of 
producing suffering, unpleasantness or disease, that it is un- 
necessary to enlarge much upon treatment for such in this 
book. In the natural position of the uterus it is somewhat 
ante-flexed, and needs for its treatment to be let alone ; and 
retro-version, or falling backward, excites or requires no more 
attention. And the same is true of the latero-version, or the 
falling to one side. Unload the distended colon, empty the 
over-full bladder, keep them free from undue accumulations, 
and the general economy free from morbid, retained and re- 
absorbed matters by rousing the liver to normal activity, and 
these distressed sensations will disappear. The preparation 
which contains cascara and podophyllin, directed for treat- 
ment of leucorrhea, taken as there directed, gives the desired 
cure. The hot water sitz-bath, administered in all pelvic dis- 
eases cannot be too highly extolled, and also the hot water 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 515 

injections per rectum, and if severer annoyances have been per- 
mitted to develope, the injections may be used for vagina. 

UPWARD DISPLACEMENT OF THE UTERUS. 

An abnormal displacement of the uterus upward, is exceed- 
ingly rarely met. Such conditions might be due to the pres- 
ence of abnormal growths, or to probings or tinkerings. 

PROLAPSUS OF THE UTERUS, OR FALLING OF 

THE WOMB. 

Prolapsus of the uterus, or falling of the womb, is occasion- 
ally met, but not frequently, though it is the most frequent 
mal-position of the uterus met. Nature's provisions for sup- 
porting this organ are ample — being supported by the vaginal 
walls, the surrounding investment of the areola tissue attach- 
ing it to the pelvic walls, and ligaments which attach it to 
neighboring points of support. Various causes may, and do 
give rise to the condition; but the chief causes are a general 
debilitated and enfeebled condition of the general health, pro- 
longed standing on the feet and excessive coitions exhausting the 
energies of the parts. The two last named causes may have 
been the cause or causes which have very greatly contributed 
to produce the enfeebled and debilitated condition of the gen- 
eral health. 

Prolapsus of the uterus is present in an exceedingly few 
number of cases where it is supposed to exist. The pain in the 
back, pain in the back and top of the head, the feeling of dead- 
ness and weight in the limbs, the feeling of weight in the pel- 
vic region, are in about ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, 
due to inactivity of the kidneys and bowels. This is true in 
these aches of both sexes. 

There is nothing of which the writer knows that will pro- 
duce the above symptoms in so marked degree as the above 
described causes. 



516 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

When prolapsus of the uterus is known to exist, the two 
first and principal factors necessary to effect a cure is for the 
patient to take and remain in the recumbent position, at least 
the greater part of the time, and direct treatment and care to- 
ward recuperating the general health. Take the hot water 
sitz-bath every other day, to every second or third day, and 
if there is great severity, use daily injections, per vagina, of 
the white oak bark tea, a pint of the tea at each time. The 
golden seal infusion directed in this work in the treatment of 
leucorrhea, is also invaluable in this condition. Plain hot 
water injections answer the purpose in many cases. 

Rectal hot water injections alone serve all that is needed 
as a local treatment in many cases of pelvic disturbances of 
both sexes. 

The following remedy will meet all the needs to produce a 
constitutional betterment, thus meeting the greatest needs in 
effecting a cure: Add one drachm of tincture of gentian to the 
mixture directed in the treatment of dismenorrhea, in this 
book. A teaspoonful taken every night in the beginning of 
the treatment, to every other, every third to every fifth night, 
and continued so long as needed, will give the desired recov- 
ery. These same treatments meet the requirements in the other 
named displacements. 

INVERSION OF THE UTERUS. 

Inversion of the womb, or turning inside out of the womb, 
rarely occurs, though occasionally met. Its occurrence may be 
due to pulling on the cord, in some cases, to undue hastening 
expulsive efforts in the birth of the child, or undue hastening 
or exciting expulsive effort in removal of the placenta. Excess- 
ive hard work and prolonged standing on the feet have pro- 
duced it. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 517 

When such condition has presented, an experienced physi- 
cian must be called, but -while waiting for one to arrive the 
woman's life may snip out, and efforts must be made to give 
relief and save life. If the protrusion has existed till swellings 
have manifested, nothing can be done till the swelling is dis- 
persed. This can be accomplished by the application of hot 
water, by means of silk mats or thickly folded cloths, or by 
hot poultices. The hot water sitz-bath is of great value, if it 
can be administered. When the swelling has dispersed, efforts 
can be made to replace the protruded uterus to its normal 
place. Moisten well the hand with pure vaseline. Now extend 
your thumb full length within your hand and bring the fingers 
around it, making the shape of the extended hand as near 
round as possible; the second finger will be found to extend 
longer than the others, which makes favorable shape for the 
work that must be done. With the hand so formed place the 
ends of the fingers against the womb and press gently but 
firmly against the center of the inverted womb, pressing it 
back to its natural place, when it will be found to indent and 
close over the hand, which must be gently withdrawn when 
the womb is found contracting into its natural or globe-like 
shape. 

The patient must remain quiet, and in the recumbent posi- 
tion sufficient time for recovery to take place. Hot water in- 
jections per rectum may be administered after the patient has 
remained quiet for thirty-six to forty-eight hours, and repeated 
once a day. This is the best and about the only local treat- 
ment that should be used; it will remove soreness, swellings, 
and give tone to the parts, thus hastening the recovery. The 
vaginal parts must be left undisturbed. 



518 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The external parts of the generative organs are supplied 
with many secretory glands, that furnish material for their 
protection; but while these secretions are necessary for the 
well-being of these parts, the substance secreted, like all the 
materials of the body, dies by limitation of its power of en- 
durance — or having lived its life — or served its purpose — and 
must move on — or be removed to give place for the new; the 
old having served its purpose — lived its life, is of no further 
beneficial use, it becomes an injurious factor if permitted to 
remain, hence, the benefits derived from the daily use of water 
and soap to keep these parts clean. 

The vagina is the canal leading upward to the womb ; 
resting upon the upper extremity of the vagina the womb is 
found, with its neck portion, or mouth opening into the vag- 
ina. The womb is a hollow cavity or sac, formed of very 
strong but very elastic fibrous tissue, susceptible of very great 
expansion, as during gestation, and great contractility, as in 
its natural condition, being about three inches in its longest 
diameter, two inches wide, and one and one-half inch thick. 
The muscular arrangement of the pelvis is such that it gives 
efficient support to the organs within the basin which they 
form, and does so, permitting no injurous displacements of 
these organs, when the general health is in normal tone; but 
when the general health is enfeebled, hence lacking strength, 
these parts become proportionately weak, but if let alone, are 
not irritated, disturbed and distressed, they will not displace 
more readily than any other organ of the body, and as the 
remainder of the system restores to vigor, these parts restore 
to proper tone and health. 

The vagina and the womb, like all the cavities of the body, 
are lined with mucous membrane, and this mucous membrane 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 519 

is supplied with mucous follicles, the function of which is to se- 
crete material for the well-being of these parts. When abnormali- 
ty exhibits in this function as an undue discharge or changed con- 
dition of the discharge, which changed condition is evidenced by 
its irritating, excoriating and distressing parts with which it 
comes in contact, and its offensive odor, its changed condition is 
due to a debilitated or abnormal condition of the general health, 
and this morbid exhibition is in proportion to the general derange- 
ment or enfeebled condition of the general health. The morbid 
condition may be augmented — its severity increased, by local 
irritating factors, as inactivity of the kidneys and constipated 
condition of the bowels, and undue excitations of coitions. 
These discharges becoming unduly great in quantity are usu- 
ally called whites, or leucorrhea (see leucorrhea), and as all 
parts of these organs are supplied with mucous surfaces, this 
discharge may arise from any or all of these surfaces, but the 
treatment is the same in all cases. 

LEUCORRHEA. 

Leucorrhea, whites, or £uor albus, are terms or names 
given to a discharge which sometimes escapes from the mouth 
of the vagina. There is always some moisture about these 
parts, as there is from all mucous surfaces naturally. It is 
when there is undue secretion from these parts, and the secre- 
tions present an abnormal condition that treatment is neces- 
sary. When the discharge is morbid, however, it is not always 
white in color, but varies from white to yellow, and a dark 
red-like green, the varying color being due to the degree of se- 
verity of the abnormal condition that gave rise to it. 

Its appearance is due to debility, or morbid condition of 
the general health — to a rundown condition, to undue degener- 
ation, as are due the hyper-secretions from mucous surfaces in 
any other part of the body, as in catarrh from the nose or 



520 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

throat, as in diphtheria, or nasal catarrh, etc.. It may appear 
from any of the parts having a mucous surface, as the vaginal 
walls, or inner surfaces of the vagina ; from the uterus, or from 
the fallopian tubes. In health the discharge or secretion, is 
almost colorless, like water; but if abnormal or undue discharge 
exhibits, the discharge may become thick, mucous-like, and vary 
in color and consistence, as above described. In the milder at- 
tacks the discharge is thin and watery, in the greater severity, 
the discharge varies in color, thickens, and when drying forms 
crusts, stiffening linens upon which it may escape, and when 
permitted to remain on surrounding parts or surfaces, excori- 
ates them, irritates and causes unpleasant feelings. 

It manifests in infants of but a few days old, though ex- 
ceedingly rare, and in persons to extreme old age, no age being 
exempt from it as causes which produce it may arise at any 
time of life. 

In treating this disturbance, cleanliness is a first essential. 
A hot water sponge bath to the entire surface of the body, 
two or three times a week, should be taken, using freely of 
castile soap, and a hot water sitz-bath should be taken every 
day till restoration to health. To favor digestion and give 
tone to the general system, the following kindly serves : Take 
leptandra, three drops, in a little water, three times a day. 
Very many of the milder cases recover nicely with this treat- 
ment alone, in addition to rest and plentiful of wholesome 
foods. Also many cases will restore to health following the 
administrations of hot water sitz-baths and the hot water in- 
jections per rectum. 

In conditions of greater severity the following, in addition 
to the above treatment, will be necessary : Take a teaspoonful 
of golden seal, in powder, place it in a cup and pour. a pint of 
boiling water upon it ; let it stand for half an hour, and then 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 521 

strain it (through a piece of cheese cloth will do) ; add two 
grains of sulphate of zinc, and it is ready for use. This prepa- 
ration is for vaginal injection, and to obtain full benefit, it 
serves best if used hot. Begin these injections about two days 
after the cessation of the menstrual flow, and continue them 
every day, or at least every second day, till two or three days 
before the next return, if treatment is needed so long, continu- 
ing the treatment till restoration to health is effected. This 
preparation is improved by adding one-fourth of an ounce of 
glycerine to it after having prepared it ready for use as above. 
If there is much degree of inflammation developed, or soreness, 
to the above golden seal injection add a tablespoonful of the 
borated glycerine instead of the plain glycerine (see Much of 
Good Value in this book), and use as directed. 

The white oak bark tea, a pint, used as an injection into 
the vagina, in frequency as above, is very efficient in these 
conditions, especially in those conditions where great relaxa- 
tions of these parts exhibit, or any undue watery discharge is 
present, it frequently giving the desired relief when other rem- 
edies have made but little perceptible progress. Hot water 
alone gives a marvelous curative effect in these conditions, a 
fourth of an ounce of glycerine added to the water enhances its 
curative effect, especially in those cases where there is a degree 
of heat, a seeming distension or swelling about the parts. 

When inflammation is present in these parts, or a distressed 
or uncomfortable sensation or feeling, the surest and quickest 
means of obtaining speedy and permanent relief and cure, is to 
obtain free alvine and urinary action by rousing the liver to 
proper action; by obtaining free alvine and urinary action it 
relieves the engorgement of the pelvic vessels and diminishes in- 
flammation by removing the cause which is the chief factor in 
producing it. Where conditions of great severity have mani- 



522 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

fested, a full dose of the anti-bilious physic given is a best be- 
ginning treatment, and serves an unequaled purpose for reliev- 
ing these morbid conditions and starting on the road to re- 
covery. A dose of salts serves a good purpose in some cases. 

If the disturbance is of long standing, in addition to the 
baths and the injections above directed, the mixture directed 
in this book in the treatment of dismenorrhea, given as there 
directed, will hasten and promote restoration to perfect health. 
The capsules (see remedies in this book) may be taken instead 
of the above mixture when one prefers to take them. 

When leucorrhea manifests in very young girls, the sponge- 
baths, and the hot water sitz-baths, in addition to taking the 
above preparation, will usually effect a cure ; and it is much 
preferable not to use vaginal injections in the treatment of young 
girls when it can be avoided, which avoidance can be in nearly 
every case. Rectal injections of plain hot water may be used, 
and will serve the needs usually. 

In treating infants and the very aged annoyed with this 
disturbance, there is seldom more treatment necessaty than 
the hot water bathing and washing of these parts. A more 
severe case among the aged may add to the treatment the 
^golden seal infusion, directed elsewhere in this article; and 
while there may be some cases among the aged that may need 
it, there will seldom be found a case in infancy requiring it, 
the writer having never found a case among infants requiring 
more attention than the use of water for external cleansings. 
The above mixture directed containing cascara and podophyllin, 
may be given to the aged cases, it meeting the requirements 
needed for constitutional betterment. 

DISMENORRHEA. 
Dismenorrhea is met in married and unmarried women. Its 
manifestation in nearly every case, is due to a morbid, or bili- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 523 

ous condition of the general health, the kidneys and bowels 
having exhibited much inactivity. Having experienced undue 
exposure to cold may add severity to the condition by increas- 
ing the already existing morbid condition that is present in 
these cases. 

The quickest and best immediate relief is obtained from tak- 
ing a hot water sitz-bath. Following this, give the following 
mixture : Take macrotys, half a drachm ; water, four ounces. 
Mix. A teaspoonful may be given every two hours during the 
greatest severity, then prolonging the time to every four hours 
and continuing taking so long as necessary. 

Also, tincture of bryonia, twenty drops; water, four ounces. 
Mix. Of this mixture, a teaspoonful may be given every fifteen 
minutes, till four doses have been given, then give a dose every 
three hours, continuing so long as necessary. Usually relief 
follows immediately. 

For permanent relief the general health must be placed in 
good healthy condition, constipation, inactivity of the kidneys, 
must be got rid of, by rousing the liver to proper action ; thus 
relieving the system of the morbid materials that have caused, 
the disturbance by making the blood impure and obstructing 
its circulation. For this purpose the following preparation 
serves most effectually and kindly, its action being moderate 
yet effective, does not necessitate taking doses all day, which 
all day taking is one great unpleasant feature to be avoided in 
selecting a remedy : Take simple syrup and glycerine, of each 
three ounces ; tincture of buchu and fluid extract of aromatic 
cascara, of each, one ounce ; sweet spirits of nitre half an 
ounce; essence of peppermint, one ounce; podophyllin, two 
grains. Mix. Take a tablespoonful of the mixture every night, 
till three doses have been taken ; then continue taking a dose 
twice a week till cured. 



524 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

The same causes that produce dismenorrhea, or painful 
menstruation, will produce tardy menstruation. In these con- 
ditions the above remedy given as directed, will place the sys- 
tem in condition to perform its natural functions. 

In addition to the above, the writer has seen some benefi- 
cial results follow the taking of the Wine of Cardui, as directed, 
but there are a large number of cases that this is ineffectual. 

The hot water injections, taken part of the time per rectum 
and part of the time per vagina, between these expected events, 
every other, to every third, to every fifth night, are immeasura- 
bly beneficial in all the above disturbances, hastening recovery 
in every case, dispersing achings, soreness, tenderness in all 
parts of the reproductive parts, the ovaries, fallopian tubes and 
uterus, leaving them feeling well. 

TOO FREQUENT, EXCESSIVE, OR TOO PROLONGED 

MENSTRUAL FLOW. 

This condition exhibits when there is an atonic condition 
of the general system, in more or less degree. 

If the flow is so excessive as to be extremely and imme- 
diately exhaustive, take five drops of oil of erigeron and half 
a drachm (a fourth of a teaspoonful — fifteen drops) of essence 
of cinnamon, on sugar or in syrup. The dose may be repeated 
in twenty minutes, in severe cases, and the time prolonged as 
betterment ensues, to three times a day, to once a day. In 
the condition for which I have prescribed this mixture, it is 
unexcelled. 

In either of the above conditions, and in addition to the 
above mixture, the following mixture is a certain remedy, reg- 
ulating the function to natural, checking excess, and stopping 
undue prolongation, leaving a general betterment throughout 
the system: Take capsella, four drachms; water, four ounces. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 525 

Mix. Give a teaspoonful three times a day, continue the 
giving so long as needed — till recovery is well established. 

Take a dose of the mixture containing cascara and podo- 
phyllin, directed in the treatment of dismenorrhea, in this 
book, occasionally ; from every third to every seventh night, 
usually being sufficient. 

The above treatment pursued as directed, will not be dis- 
appointing in curing; it has proved the best of many remedies 
for these disturbances, in the writer's hands in an experience 
of many years. 

STERILITY. 

Sterility as being due to defect in the reproductive organs, 
or to abnormal condition of the health, is exceedingly rare — so 
exceedingly rare that a case is seldom met. If the general 
health is in normal condition, the body well nourished and en- 
vironments congenial, there is usually sufficient of the repro- 
ductive powers dispensable among the human family. 

UTERINE FIBROIDS. 

Uterine fibroids, at least of any annoying proportions, are 
very rare, and when appearing frequently disperse if let alone, 
or cause no annoyance if remaining. They are an aggregation 
of healthy tissues of undue size. Should one increase in size and 
weight to proportions as to be unbearable, it would become 
necessary to remove it, but unless from weight or from size 
they obstruct, interfere, or cause pain, their removal is unneces- 
sary, and had better be let alone. Polypus, which sometimes 
appears about cavities, as is occasionally seen in the nose, 
though rarely, is the same as the fibroid, and its treatment 
for removal the same. Projecting from the neck or about the 
mouth of the womb into the vagina, their presence is not so 
difficult to discern, but when extending into the cavity of the 



526 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

uterus, certainty of their presence is not so accurately detected. 
Enlargements appearing about the lower parts of the abdo- 
men are more frequently due to gaseous accumulations conse- 
quent to auto-infection from prolonged retention of feces and 
urinary secretions which should have been kept excreted from 
the body. When this enlargement presents there are but few 
cases that the following remedies do not give the desired relief: 
Add ten drops of dioscorea vil. to four ounces of water, and 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture three times a day, and take 
a tablespoonful of the remedy containing cascara and podo- 
phyllin, directed in this work in the treatment of uraemia, ev- 
ery night for a week, then once or twice a week for a month, 
continuing the other remedy each day for the same time. 

For removing fibroids or polypus, a touch with a mild so- 
lution of caustic potash will remove many of them, but this 
application must be made by a careful hand. Prof. John King, 
M. D., recommended powdered bloodroot applied to polypi. 
His experience continued through a long life, and an unusual 
opportunity for gaining knowledge. Except when these growths 
increase to great size, or are situated where they become irri- 
tated so as to cause them to bleed, they necessitate but little 
attention. 

CANCER OF THE UTERUS. 

In the sense that cancer is commonly understood to mean, 
there is no such condition. Ulcers, progressive, destroying con- 
ditions, or morbid growths, are due to undue degeneration 
especially in the part wherein they are located, and the unduly 
enfeebled condition of the general system prevents it from sup- 
plying the necessary energy or repairative force to restore or 
renew the part. The degeneration is not simply local, but is 
general, and to this fact is evidently due the return of the mor- 
bid local condition after it has been removed by surgical inter- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 527 

ference. The system is at very low ebb, with strong determ- 
ination to continue declining. 

If this determination, perversion or disposition to unduly de- 
generate can be overcome, and a disposition to normal repa- 
ration be established, a permanent cure can be effected, other- 
wise it cannot, no matter how many cuttings may be per- 
formed — the more the worse. Excoriating and corroding prep- 
arations applied to these ulcers are injurious rather than bene- 
ficial. The chief source to which to look for a cure is to build 
up the general health. The local treatment is of second im- 
portance. The writer has seen some very ugly appearing sores 
(or ulcers, or cancers, if you so please to call them) that had 
been called cancer, heal rapidly following a daily washing with, 
castile soap and hot water, and applying camphor salve (an 
ounce of camphor gum dissolved in a half a teacupful of lard). 
Application of a mild solution of sulphate of zinc, followed by 
an application of castor oil, disperses some very ugly, ragged 
ulcers. Tincture of benzoin, one-fourth of an ounce, mixed with 
one ounce of pure vaseline, is a very healing application to 
even discouraging looking sores. 

Prof. Durante, of Rome, Prof. Goselli, of Genoa, and Prof, 
d' Antona, of Naples, all felt unjustified to recommend surgical 
removals, as hope to cure these sores, these so-called cancers. 

SWELLINGS. 

Conditions of swelling about the vulva and adjacent parts 
are sometimes met in both married women and girls. It is 
sometimes accompanied with itching, burning or pain. Occa- 
sionally the swelling extends considerably over the abdomen 
toward the navel, and down the thighs, also the full length 
of the lower limbs; there is also frequently associated a sen- 
sation of weight in the pelvic or rectal parts. 



528 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

It is due to inactivity of the excretory functions, largely 
to the inactivity of the kidneys. There may have been some 
local irritation, though it appears without any local irritating 
cause. The bowels are usually found torpid, the skin dirtyish yel- 
low, and the tongue nastily coated much the same color. 

Wash the entire surface of the body clean every other day, 
using soap freely. Administer each day, a hot water sitz-bath, 
to which has been added half an ounce of spirits of camphor 
to two gallons of the water used. A soaking hot water foot 
bath daily is also very helpful. A tablespoonful of spirits of 
camphor added to a teacupful of hot water, and applied to 
the parts by means of a sponge, silk or woolen mat or rag, 
for ten or fifteen minutes, six or eight times a day in severe 
cases, removes burning, itching and swellings, the effect being 
very speedy. Witch hazel, a tablespoonful added to a teacup- 
ful of hot water, and applied as above, also gives relief, but 
not so speedy as the camphor. In some severe cases the 
writer has applied the spirits of camphor alone. It produces 
a little burning for a minute or two, but it is immediately fol- 
lowed by the very acceptable relief from suffering, and it also 
disperses the swellings. Take the preparation containing cas- 
cara and podophyllin directed in the treatment of dismen- 
orrhea, as there directed, till complete recovery is effected. 

In swellings manifested about the pelvic and external urin- 
ary part, sometimes found manifesting among males, the 
above treatment, persisted in is effectual and prompt — used for 
any age of persons. The hot water sitz-baths taken so hot 
as not to burn, and the hot water injections per rectum, to- 
gether with the taking of the above remedy directed, the 
writer has known to be effectual in dispersing most uncom- 
fortable enlargements. Try it. You will not be disappointed. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 529 

MASTURBATION. 

The habit or practice of producing excitement by unnatural 
means, as with the hand, is termed masturbation. The prac- 
tice is found to exist among both sexes, being learned as early 
as twelve years of age, and being practiced by some persons 
to the advanced age of seventy and even to far into eighty 
years old. The evil effects this habit has on those who prac- 
tice it excessively is exhaustion — the entire body partaking 
alike in the exhaustion the same as in cases of excessive prac- 
tice of sexual congress. The local disturbances manifesting oc- 
casionally in these cases arise from the same causes that like 
conditions do in excessive copulation — namely, from undue irrit- 
ations ; and the discharge of mucous, or watery discharge, is 
due to the same causes — from the irritated condition of the 
parts, their mucous membranes or surfaces becoming inflamed 
in more or less degree from this irritation, and sometimes swel- 
ings of the parts ensue from the same causes. 

The despondency, loss of bodily strength, headache, neural- 
gic pains, general exhaustion and hypochondriacal invalidism, 
as well as a multitude of imaginary ailments, manifest equally 
alike in the cases of both of the above excesses. The writer 
has made considerable investigation regarding the economy of 
the human body, and among the many other subjects regard- 
ing it this subject also has received due attention. In search- 
ing for victims afflicted with loss of memory, insanity and 
other monstrosities of morbidnesses, which specialists to treat 
"lost manhood," and specialists to treat "female diseases," and 
lecturers to "men only" and "young men only" picture up, the 
writer, though finding subjects who had practiced mastur- 
bation, both considerably and moderately, from ten years of age 
to nearly ninety in the male, and to over fifty in the female, 

21- 



530 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

failed to find these parties in any way seeming likely subjects for 
insane asylums. From the information gained the writer be- 
came quite convinced that the wrecks are mostly made by vi- 
cious treatment and unwholesome advice from the medical 
persecutors. 

Neither of the above practices or excesses are essential to 
the best interests of our bodily economy — neither for the best 
welfare of the economy of the reproductive organs nor any 
other part of the body, nor mental welfare or safeguard- 
though the masturbation is less harmful than illicit intercourse 
or congress or excessive intercourse. 

The Creator has provided an equipoise in the economy of the 
body sufficient for its best welfare and preservation, and purity 
of virtue, as the writer has explained elsewhere in this book. 

The treatment necessary to recovery from the habit and 
its abnormal effects is to find intelligent entertainment for 
the mind, and thus stop the habit, and to place the physical 
body in proper health — properly nourish the body with whole- 
some foods, keep the urinary and alvine actions free, take hot 
water sitz-baths, and sponge baths three or four times a week, 
till the physical body is restored to vigor and the mind re- 
gains its equilibrum, which it will do when the bodily health 
is restored. 

In addition to the baths, above directed, take the juice of 
a fresh orange every morning before eating breakfast, and for 
favoring digestion, the following serves very kindly : Take 
fluid extract of cascara and tincture of buchu, of each, one 
ounce; glycerine and simple syrup, of each, three ounces; pod- 
ophyllin, one grain; and essence of peppermint, half an ounce, 
and one-half drachm of tincture of gentian. Mix, and take a 
tablespoonful of the mixture (for an adult) every night for a 
week, then take one or two doses each week as long as neces- 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 531 

sary. During the first three or four days treatment, the fol- 
lowing may be taken to helpful advantage : Take nux vomica, 
five drops, and water, four ounces. Mix, and take a tea- 
spoonful of the mixture every two hours during the day. 

PROGRESS (?). 

Every business has its own peculiar self, its component 
parts, its separate parts, its language, its alphabet, its know-how. 
While it has its essential nature, it also has its fashions — its 
fads. This is displayed in every line of business, from the news 
boy trying to sell his papers, to the Wall street speculator 
trying to manipulate the reins of commerce to most quickly 
and certainly fill his own money-box ; from the solicitors of 
charities — which most certainly fills the pockets of the solicitors, 
but relieves not the starving needy, to the big giver who pays 
some hungry reporter twenty-five cents to magnify a copper 
penny gift into a ten dollar bill. Every trade with its tricks 
spreading its cunning devices before the incredulous masses, ap- 
parently exemplifying some marvelous mysteriousness of skill, 
knowledge or mastery attained never attained nor obtained in 
the existence of the whole world before. So gaudily and ap- 
parently plausible are these devices exhibited that the "very 
elect" are scarcely spared being deceived — gulled by them. 

In dress there is the change of color, manner of weave of 
fabric, and difference of mode of cut, none of which evolves 
more than a dress. The minister finds a new fabric necessary 
for the salvation of the soul — "the special purity of heart," and 
"the sanctification." And the trade of the treatment of disease 
is by no means not abreast with all other trades in this re- 
spect. Every few years changes are made in the names of dis- 
ease — mere lingos of catch words are given out, as appendicitis, 
bacilli, malaria, bacteria, and fads advanced in the treatment 
of diseases as the vaccination fad, the rotten horse serum, etc., 



532 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

these being usually set adrift by new fledglings, whose only 
knowledge consists in quacking out this lingo, and looking 
very wise to smother enquiry, as such lingos and fads embody 
no idea adequate to sustain them, are not actual facts — are 
but creations of an incongruous fancy. 

But nowhere along the line is this pursued with such re- 
pulsive morbidness as in the treatment of females in their sick- 
ness, and the "lost manhood" fads. Such barbaric and quack- 
erish tinkerings — such strainings to misguide, to make believe 
that no ailment can affect the organic structure of the human 
body but has its location in the reproductive organs, from a 
sour stomach, to a sliver in the foot; from the girl or boy in- 
fant to the woman or man of seventy -five or eighty years. 

So far has this disgraceful practice been pressed and with 
such destructiveness to health that it would be a blessing to 
thousands if many gynecologists and specialists would seek 
occupations elsewhere. Then many would be spared tortures 
and be permitted their health unruined, would not have it de- 
stroyed by those unscrupulous practices, as is done in thou- 
sands and thousands of cases, sending them to untimely 
graves, or making them what is worse — inhabitants of insane 
asylums. 

Such impressionable gibberish— and to the enlightened, so 
disgustingly repulsive because untrue, is used to mislead and 
to deceive. 

In their treating of diseases of females, every conceivable 
pretext is instituted as an excuse for examinations, cauteriz- 
ings, excoriations, cuttings, and introducing destructive and 
disgusting pessary -paraphenalia, under pretext of "supporting 
the uterus" when neither of the above are needed nor helpful, 
but are permanently destructive. 



AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 533 

When mothers have studied the economy, nature, and func- 
tional relations of the human body, as every mother should, 
her own health will not only be preserved but that of her sons 
and daughters also, and to the education of the mother upon 
these subjects depends the security and betterment of the 
health of the human family. And not only the preserving of 
the health, but also its moral purity. 

The mother must know that to submit to the vaginal 
handlings and manipulations by male gynecologists, either 
herself or daughter, is immodest, and not only the physical 
nature has been impaired but the moral as well. These impro- 
prieties have disrupted the harmony of many a home, and 
many a girl who has gone the immoral road to destruction, 
dates her downward turn from this destruction of her rightful 
modesty and propriety. The wise husband and father, wide 
awake to the -welfare of his family, both physically and mor- 
ally, will desist from such tolerance as permitting such in- 
trusions. 



PART FIFTH. 



CARE OF THE FACE.— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 



GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. 

While much can be done by careful attention to the general 
health and care of the skin to preserve and enhance the comli- 
ness of the face, yet the cold, rigid, uncharitable expression ren- 
ders the most classic beauty unattractive. The most marvel- 
ous preservative against unlovelines of face in any period of 
life is the cultivated sympathies, the honest consciousness of a 
clear conscience, a pure and upright life, of good will to all 
and malice toward none. The bloom of youth can not always 
be retained, but it alone can not vie with that look of chastened 
sweetness which results from a long life spent in deeds of purity 
and kindness. Every face is either a prophecy or a history. 

Beauty and health are destroyed and longevity prevented 
by worries, peevishness and constantly looking on the dark 
side; these plow furrows which no amount of time and coax- 
ing will efface. 

Many people make great efforts to show themselves very 
pious, very grief-stricken, and very sorrowful, appreciative, 
etc., by making facial grimaces, and other great sources of 
facial blemishes ; such specimens are among the unpleasant 
elements of society, being not only ignorant but destitute of 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 535 

good understanding of proprieties, and resort to this false way 
of making themselves impressive. 

There is a variety of forms of mismanagement which con- 
duce to blotches and pimply deformities, and discolorations of 
the face. The skin is one of nature's outlets of the impurities 
of the body, and may be, and often is, imposed upon, which is 
evident when the other excretory outlets are sluggish or dor- 
mant, hence an undue proportion of excretions passing off 
through the skin may set up irritation from the poisonous 
nature of the materials. When there is undue tendency to per- 
spiration it sometimes develops pimples or eruptions of some 
type. This is due to excessive excretion by way of the skin, 
and the excessive moisture keeping the skin tender and sensi- 
tive to chill and heat. 

The continual washing of the face with strong soap, so 
commonly indulged in, removes unduly large proportions of 
the natural fat of the skin, leaving it unprotected and with a 
roughened surface which is very liable to become chapped, or 
excoriated. 

Acne and eczema are names that cover a multitude of skin 
sins and does not well define any. 

Improper nutrition, excretion, and circulation of the blood, 
are fruitful of many facial blemishes as are also exposures to 
excessive atmospheric conditions. Contaminations of the blood 
from vile habits produce much facial blemishes, which are per- 
sistent, requiring thorough constitutional cleansing, and some- 
times require a long treatment to remove. 

Cold baths are not beneficial, but injurious, shocking the 
nerves, and driving the blood from the surface, and should be 
discarded. 

Hot water baths equalize the circulation, bring rest to the 
tired nerves, and a sense of refreshing comfort. Heavy mental 



536 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

burdens, hard study, and vexations, pervert the circulation of 
the blood, congesting the face, and the feet and hands are 
very frequently found cold, too moist and clammy. A hot 
water bath equalizes the circulation, quiets the nerves and 
lends tone to the general system. When the feet and hands 
manifest the above condition, if a general hot water bath can 
not be taken, the feet and hands bathed in hot water to which 
sufficient capsicum in powder has been added to give a sug- 
tion of warmth, much good is done. This greatly aids in 
breaking up the habit of cold feet and hands. 

Excretions by the kidneys and bowels must be kept con- 
stantly watched and kept active, that the skin be not polluted 
by retained morbid matters, or that it be not unduly taxed 
in the excretive function. This is of greatest importance in 
securing and maintaining a good complexion, and without 
this other efforts will be a failure. 

A skin disturbance appearing on the faces of the young (of 
both sexes) and rarely appearing in older life, is chiefly con- 
fined to the sebaceous follicles; the unctuous matter collects, 
over-distending the follicles in the skin, and constitute those 
appearances termed blackheads, the black appearance being 
caused by dirt settling in them ; this mixing with the contents, 
forms what has been termed "worms," and " white maggots 
with black heads," but this worm -like mass is fatty matter 
secreted to lubricate the skin, which from lack of fluidity, from 
the mouths of the follicles being congested, or closed with cos- 
metic powders or dirt, is retained in the surface ends of the 
follicles. 

The constant picking at these little appearances, causes 
irritation, inflammation, and may aggravate into little ulcers. 

Or, if biliousness exists in the system, or constipated 
bowels and sluggish urinary action are present, it may aug- 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 537 

inent the condition into an eruption (eczema) over the face; if 
S} r philitic taint is in the system, either inherited or acquired, a 
further augmentation will ensue, which may extend into ugly 
stubborn sores. 

The first prime essential is to establish excretions by way 
of the kidneys and bowels, thus relieving the skin from over- 
excretion. There are several remedies that are valuable for this 
purpose. That remedy which will give this assistance the most 
effectually, and with the fewest doses, is the one to choose. 
The daily eating of onions will do this work, but this is not 
altogether acceptable. A teaspoonful of sulphur taken every 
morning for three mornings, repeating this mode of taking 
it every week for about three weeks, will also serve the 
purpose. The following will be most effectual, and require 
fewer doses : Take sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce ; simple 
syrup and glycerine, of each, three ounces ; fluid extract of cas- 
cara aromatic, half an ounce; and podophyllin, half a grain. 
Mix, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture every four hours, 
till at least four doses have been taken. Then one dose, twice 
a week will suffice. Also the following is speedy and effective: 

Take bittersweet, yellow dock root, and stillingia, equal 
parts, one ounce of each. Place it all in a granite vessel and 
pour over it a pint and a quarter of boiling water. Let it boil 
up brisk just once, then remove from the hot stove and let set 
for fifteen minutes, then strain it (through a piece of cheese 
cloth will do), and while hot add sufficient sugar to near make 
it a syrup. This yellow dock syrup is pleasant to taste. Take 
a teaspoonful three times a day for the first week, changing 
the frequency to three times a week to once a week. 

Thoroughly cleanse the face with hot water and castile 
soap, and rinse it with plain hot water. Then bathe the face 
twice a day with hot water to which has been added ten drops 



538 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

of tincture of benzoin, to a third of a teacupful of the water 
used. The hot water draws the blood into the congested, sluggish 
glands, or follicles, and stimulates their activity, while it tends 
to dissolve the hard plugs of greasy and foreign matter, which 
constitute the black heads. Do not expose the face to chill air 
immediately after treatment. 

This treatment will also cure the type of blotches or red, 
spread-out spots sometimes appearing on the face, and which 
frequently have very small specks or points in the center, con- 
taining whitish yellow fluid. When this condition is present, 
apply the above treatments at night, and cover the face with 
very fine new cotton. This treatment and care will cure about 
all cases of the above type, if properly administered. The last 
named type may be somewhat of the erysipelas type, but it 
yields most kindly to the above treatment, very marked im- 
provement being made in the first twenty-four hours and any 
itchings and burnings that may be present, at once beginning 
to disappear. 

In cases of greater severity the folio wing may be applied, 
after bathing the face with hot water: Take petroleum, one 
ounce; resorcin, two grains. Thoroughly mix, and apply a 
small quantity to affected parts with your finger. This is 
especially effective in the cases where there appears a crusty, 
scab-like formation to the parts. 

Where these little pimples or sores show a disposition to 
ulcerate and the ulcer disposes to freely discharge and enlarge, 
the following serves a kindly purpose: Take sulphate of zinc, 
two grains; pure hog's lard, two tablespoonfuls. Thoroughly 
mix, and apply as above. 

If the facial blemishes consist of discolorations — the yellow, 
saffron, or dirty, ashen aspect, the whites of the eyes yellow- 
ish, the following will disperse the unsightliness : Take four 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 539 

drops of chionanthus, in a little water, three times a day till 
the discolorment disappears. A capsule (see remedies in this 
book) taken in addition to the above every night for three 
nights, then three times a week hastens a cure. The yellow 
dock syrup directed in this article will also give a cure. 

Pimples caused by the use of cosmetics will sometimes dis- 
appear without treatment when the use of the cosmetic is dis- 
continued, but cases are met where there has a condition of 
poison appeared to manifest; in such cases some careful atten- 
tion will be necessary. The baths first named in this article 
will disperse the condition frequently, -with no other treatment. 
Many others disperse when dressed with camphorated lard, or 
camphorated vaseline, a few times; one-fourth of an ounce of 
camphor gum mixed by mild heat with an ounce of the lard, 
makes it sufficiently effective. 

Itchings, burnings and irritable conditions, manifest over 
the skin, not alone over the face and hands, but frequently 
over other parts of the body. These are simply due to defi- 
cient excretions of the kidneys and bowels ; these conditions 
only require free actions from the above organs being pro- 
duced, and continued for from five to ten days, and spongings 
of the surface of the body, using hot water and castile soap 
freely. Some of these annoyances disappear following the tak- 
ing of the arctium lappa, directed in treatment of boils. 

A condition or manifestation appearing on the face, with a 
tendency to vesicate, and to progress to open faced pimples or 
sores, arises from the same causes as before described in facial 
blemishes, and the treatments there directed, the baths to the 
face and the yellow dock syrup, will be effective. Where 
there manifests a disposition for returns of these little 
vexers, the following has proved effective in many cases : 
Take neutralizing cordial, and salts, of each, two ounces. 



540 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Mix. A tablespoonful of the mixture is a dose for an adult. 
A dose of this mixture, taken every day for three or four days, 
and continuing for sometime every third to fifth day, has 
broken up the tendency of these vexers to return. But if the 
remedy for constitutional effect has been taken sufficiently, re- 
turn to recovery will be good. 

Also, a teaspoonful of soda (baking soda) added to half a 
glass of water, and a teaspoonful of the mixture taken three 
times a day, before meals, and continued for sometime, proves 
effective. 

FRECKLES. 

Freckles are very obstinate blemishes, and will persist in 
re-appearing when exposure to the sunshine is made. Protect- 
ing the face from sunshine and sun heated air, keep these un- 
welcome guests out of sight in some cases. They are peculiar 
to some temperaments, in many cases of which they are so per- 
sistent, as to refuse to become less unsightly from any treat- 
ment. And while there are many things that will greatly 
modify their bold appearance, I know of nothing that will 
prevent their return. Some cases appear to modify in 
color as the subject ages, but many cases do not. 

Lemon juice, and rose water, equal parts. Mix, and 
apply a small portion at night before retiring. 

Lemon juice and glycerine, equal parts, mixed, and a por- 
tion applied three or four times a day, is said to remove 
freckles. 

A piece of saltpetre moistened with soft water, and rubbed 
over the freckles, is said to remove them. 

Oat meal boiled in vinegar, and the vinegar applied to the 
freckles, also to brown spots on other parts of the body, has 
been effectual to remove them. 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 541 

Lemon juice, glycerine and rose water, equal parts, mixed 
and a portion applied twice a day, has proved efficient in 
some cases. 

A tablespoonful of sulphur added to a pint of rum, is said 
to be a successful lotion for removing moth patches from the 
face. 

A teaspoonful of sulphur taken every morning, for three 
mornings, and repeating it for two or three weeks, will also 
banish them. 

SCARS. 

A few minor scars may be removed, while a few that have 
been received in early life will disappear, but they will usually 
return again when age begins to advance. Nature has a pe- 
culiar way of objecting to being tampered with too much, and 
scars from injuries at least, do about as well let alone rather 
than risk too much to come out with a worse bungle. Castor 
oil or camphorated oil, applied at night just before retiring, 
modifies the appearance of some cases. 

WRINKLES. 

Wrinkles appear more or less with age, but when appear- 
ing earlier in life are generally due to impoverishment of the 
system, the poorly fed, poorly nourished, will cause unsightly 
ones to appear; thej^ are also coaxed into existence by facial 
grimaces we permit ourselves to make when our minds are en- 
gaged in deep or prolonged study, when worried, vexed, sur- 
prised, etc. 

Wrinkles from age are rarely much affected by treatments 
for removal. Keep the general health in good condition, the 
system well nourished with plenty of wholesome food, and 
control the muscles of the face, is the reliable safeguard against 
wrinkles. 



542 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Preparations called skin foods are recommended for remov- 
ing wrinkles, also steaming the face, but the advice I have 
given for prevention will be found the most reliable cure. 

Equal parts of cocoa butter and almond oil have been 
much used for trying to rub out wrinkles, and some have 
claimed success. Glycerine, half an ounce; rose water, three 
ounces; and tincture of benzoin, half an ounce. Mix. Apply 
twice a day. This preparation aids in bringing better circula- 
tion to the surface, hence aids in removing wrinkles. 

WHITE SPOTS ON THE FACE. 

White spots sometimes appear on the face, especially on 
the faces of young men. The condition is due to congestion of 
the skin, to washing with strong soaps thus unduly removing 
nature's dressing — its fats or oily dressing; to impoverishment 
of the general system, and deficient outdoor exercise. 

The system must be nourished, outdoor exercise must be 
taken, and plenty of wholesome sleep taken in nature's time — 
night. Use less soap on the face and learn to keep it clean 
with less frequent washings. Apply sweet cream from pure 
cow's milk at night before retiring, and the following at the 
morning dressing : Take tincture of benzoin, one drachm ; and 
soft water, three ounces. Mix, and it is ready for use. Apply 
a portion after the face has been bathed with hot water. This 
lotion has a tonic and healing effect on the skin, and may be 
used two or three times a day in severe cases. Equal parts of 
tincture of benzoin and petroleum, or vaseline, mixed, also 
makes a good application, and a small portion applied over 
the face before enduring exposures to extreme cold, is a valu- 
able preserver of the skin. Any surplus may be carefully wiped 
off with a silken fabric or rag. Alvine and urinary excretion 
must be kept active. 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 543 

REMOVING PIGMENT STAINS AND BROWN 
DISCOLORATIONS. 

For removing pigment stains the brownish discolorations 
that sometimes appear on the face, hands and occasionally on 
other parts of the body, during pregnancy and in many other 
cases of both sexes, and due to liver and kidney derangements, 
the following is effective : Take corrosive sublimate, two grains ; 
alcohol, three ounces. Mix. Moisten a bit of sponge with the 
preparation, and rub over the affected part a little briskly, at 
night before retiring to bed. Repeat the treatment till the dis- 
colorations disappear. Should the parts become tender, apply 
a little castor oil, or vaseline. This preparation is poison and 
must be kept away from children, or from where it might be 
taken internally through mistake. 

A plaster of soft soap placed over the spots, and permitted 
to remain all night, and washed off the next morning, will 
also remove them. More than one application is usually nec- 
essary. Should the skin become sensitive, apply castor oil or 
vaseline. 

The following has been recommended : Take oxide of zinc, 
and white precipitate, of each, half a drachm ; castor oil and 
cocoa butter, of each, two drachms ; rose water, twenty drops. 
Mix, and apply mornings and evenings. 

A teaspoonful of sulphur taken three consecutive mornings, 
once a week, for a few weeks, will also disperse them. 

Those vexing little pustular appearances that occasionally 
manifest on the scalp, around the edges of the hair on the 
neck, will disperse in a short time if the following is applied : 
Take petroleum and glycerine, of each, half an ounce; resorcin, 
one grain. Mix, and apply once a day. 



544 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

NETTLE RASH AND HIVES. 

Nettle rash, and also hives, is due to a slight constitu- 
tional disturbance, and an undue determination of excretion 
by way of the skin. It frequently disappears from adminis- 
tering a hot water wash- off. Cream of tartar, a fourth of a 
teaspoonful (to a child six or ten months old), twice a day, 
for two or three days, proves effective in giving relief. Giving 
it two or three times a week, serves in many cases. This gen- 
erally serves the curative purpose, for persons of any age. It 
may be mixed in water sufficient. The hot prickly sensations 
which sometimes appear in the skin, also disappear from the 
same treatment. Two drachms of tincture of benzoin added 
to six ounces of water, and applied, speedily disperses it. This 
also disperses many itchings and burnings of the skin. 

MOLES. 

Moles are undesirable blemishes, but they can be easily re- 
moved by a little treatment. Acid nitrate of mercury applied 
with a splinter of wood will disperse them. There is no pain 
attending the application, and the growth shrivels, turns 
black, and falls off in about a week. The only trace left in 
the place it occupied is the slightest shade darker of the nat- 
ural pink; if the subject is young, this gradually disappears. 
If the mole is large, apply to only a portion of it at one ap- 
plication. Occasionally more than one application is necessary, 
but the surface must be permitted to heal before a second ap- 
plication is made. Care must be made not to touch the sur- 
rounding surface. 

WARTS. 

Warts disappear and do not appear again, if they are 
briskly rubbed with a slice of radish, three or four times a 
day. It is said that sliced raw Irish potato, will produce the 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 545 

the same result, but I have not tried it. It is also said that 
rubbing them with green bean leaves, crushed, will remove 
them. 

STYES. 

Styes in addition to being unattractive are pain-creating 
guests. They are really little boils, resulting from similar 
causes that boils elsewhere on the body do. After they have 
progressed to much extent, it is best to permit them to mature 
and cleanse out, hastening them only by a mild poultice, and 
hot applications of sweet milk. Bread and milk poultice 
serves the best for applying to these afflictions. A silk mat, 
or silk rag folded four or five thicknesses and dipped in hot 
sweet milk and placed upon the affected part, changing suffi- 
ciently frequent to keep it hot, greatly relieves pain and favors 
recovery. Frequent applications of hot water is an alleviator 
of the pain. 

These little boils should always be permitted to open them- 
selves when they have been permitted to continue till pus has 
well formed, as by so treating them the danger of injury or 
leaving a sear is avoided. When they have matured press out 
the pus and cleanse with fresh, hot sweet milk and water equal 
parts, and place over them a silken mat or rag dipped in hot 
sweet milk, remoistening it when it appears to become dry. 

Spirits of camphor applied to the affected part in threat- 
ened stye usually disperses it. Equal parts of water and spir- 
its of camphor applied to the stye hastens its dispersion at any 
stage. 

There must be a betterment of the condition of the general 

system, the urinary and alvine excretion must be increased — 

the blood purified. For this purpose the mixture directed in 

this book in the treatment for "Wild Hairs," taken as there 

22- 



546 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

directed, accomplishes this. Also, the capsules (see remedies in 
this book) taken sufficient will purify the blood in these cases. 

HELPFUL HINTS. 

Nature makes no mistakes, at least but few, and she has 
provided us with organs suited to every essential purpose. 
But people pervert and distort nature, thereby producing not 
only great suffering and disfigurements on themselves, but make 
themselves repulsive to defenseless others. Breathing should be 
effected through the nose and not through the mouth ; by so 
doing the lips are better preserved and much morbid condition 
of the throat prevented. Much of the throat trouble of chil- 
dren is somewhat due to the habit of keeping their mouths 
open, especially when out in chill air. Also, by keeping the 
mouth shut, it improves the facial appearance of most peo- 
ple. Shut your mouth and improve your facial appearance is 
nearly as valuable as "shut your mouth and save your life." 

THE NOSE. 

The nose informs us of unfriendly odors, thereby acting as 
a safeguard against many unpleasantries. 

Excessive red nose is usually caused by indulging in intoxi- 
cating drinks, very occasionally by excessive tea drinking. To 
remove, stop the habit or cause ; bathing the nose in hot water 
to which a little spirits of camphor has been added, aids in 
coaxing back the normal color. 

BLACK OR BRUISED PARTS. 

If spirits of camphor is immediately applied and frequent 
applications made, it prevents the discoloration appearing. 
The application must be made immediately after receiving the 
injury to prevent the discoloration. When present, equal parts 
of spirits of turpentine and spirits of camphor, mixed and ap- 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 547 

plied freely, disperses it the quickest of any remedy; this act- 
ting very rapidly on the circulation, thus effecting its elimina- 
tion and removal by the circulation. Free sweating, produced 
by exercise, removes the disfigurement very rapidly and also 
prevents blood poison. 

Hot water applications frequently made, and free perspira- 
tion from the entire body, removes it really more rapidly 
and effectually than anything else. A leech applied and 
permitting it to draw the bruised blood, hastily assists in a 
return to normal. In all conditions of bruise of any severity 
there is both killed blood and tissue, and this must be elimi- 
nated and carried off by the circulation. It cannot be brought 
to life again; it is destroyed. Tincture of capsicum serves as 
a help in some cases, but to sensitive skins it produces unbear- 
able burning. The following has been recommended, and is 
doubtless quite effectual. I have not tried it, however : Take a 
strong tea of capsicum, and mix an equal amount by bulk, of 
mucilage or gum arabic, and to a teacupful of the preparation 
add three drachms (or teaspoonfuls) of glycerine; mix well to- 
gether, and apply a coating as often as it disposes to dry. 
This is said to prevent and also to remove the discoloration. 
This is also said to be unequaled in the cure of rheumatic or 
stiff neck, applied in the same way as above. 

SUPERFLUOUS HAIR. 

An undue crop of hair on the hands and arms, and on the 
faces of ladies, is undesirable, and especially unsightly on ladies* 
faces. Many articles are recommended for removing these un- 
desirables, but it is quite difficult to state one truly trust- 
worthy — one that may not leave more undesirable traces than 
the unpleasantness sought to get rid of. Peroxide of hydrogen 
applied two times daily over the superfluous hair causes the 
hair to become so brittle that it may be brushed away. But 



548 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

this continued for a very long time causes the hairs to become 
coarse, harsh, and undesirable in this respect. 

OFFENSIVE ODORS ABOUT THE BODY. 
The unpleasant odors of perspiration may be prevented by 
keeping the body clean, especially inside as well as outside. 
The general health must be kept in normal condition, excre- 
tions kept well performed, and the surface of the body washed 
clean. If the morbid condition has stolen on apace, add half 
a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa, to half a glass of water, 
and take a teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day for 
three or four days. But the sewers — the waste channels — must 
be kept clean and unloaded, and there will be no foul gases 
leaking out. 

SOAPS. 

There is an immense variety of soaps manufactured and 
exhibited for sale, many of which are of excellent and superior 
quality, and many are harmful. A few are harmful only to 
sensitive skins. 

Pure castile soap is best and safest of all the soaps, and 
may be used by persons of all ages. 

Soaps made from vegetable oils, and pure hog's lard, only, 
make soaps desirable for toilet purposes. 

A good article of soap is a medicine of itself, yet some val- 
uable additions may be made to it. 

Pure white castile soap, two parts ; dissolve in half as 
much water, and one part of sulphur well incorporated into it, 
is useful in the cure of acne, and many other annoying erup- 
tions over the body, of scarcely known cause. 

Castile soap, two parts, dissolved in one part of water, 
and one part of oat meal incorporated, makes a kindly acting 
soap for face and hands. 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 549 

Also, castile soap three parts and water three parts, and 
two parts of almond meal incorporated, makes a valuable 
toilet soap. 

A little oil of wintergreen, added to soap is thought to 
improve it, half a drachm to an ounce of pure castile soap. 

In preparing the above soaps, after the articles named 
have been mixed, and before the soap has become cold, add 
as much alcohol as the water first used, and mix well. 

Lloyd's Asepsin soap is an excellent soap. 

The old fashioned home made leach-lye soap is unsupassed 
in curing many skin sins and sores. It is used as other soaps, 
for washing. 

FACIAL MISCELLANY. 
Washing the face in watermelon water, or juice, is said to 
banish freckles speedily. 

Peroxide of hydrogen, fifteen drops to a glass of soft water 
used daily to wash the hands and face, is a bracing tonic for 
the skin and will make it firm and white. 

Tooth paste : Take powdered orris, eight ounces ; white cas- 
tile soap, two ounces; myrrh, two ounces; golden seal, four 
grains ; honey, four ounces ; and glycerine to complete the 
paste. Mix. 

SOOTHING CREAM. 

Bay rum and glycerine, of each, two ounces; quince seed 
jelly four ounces. Mix, and perfume as liked. It is not sticky 
nor greasy. Useful to apply to roughened and chafed hands 
and lips. Diluted, it may be applied to the hair when dressing 
it, to keep it in place. Two ounces of quince seed, bruised, 
and added to a quart of boiling water, and boiled away to a 
pint, makes the quince seed jelly. An ounce of witch hazel 
added improves this cream. It makes a kind friend to have at 



550 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Hand, it is valuable for application to irritated chafings, nasal 
chafings, sores, and for smoothing and soothing tender skin. 

A cure for tetter said to be effectual: "Wet' gun powder, 
smeared on the affected parts, two or three days, will effect a 
permanent cure in two or three daj^s." I have not tried this 
remedy, but can see no reason why it might not be tried. 
Pure sweet cream mixed with the gun powder, would cause it 
to be a little more mild. And the writer would suggest that 
should the tetter extend over considerable surface, that the 
gun powder preparation be placed over but a small surface at 
a time. 

Persons engaged in handling dry seeds are sometimes an- 
noyed by undue dryness of the naso-pharynx and the throat, 
occasionally accompanied with sharp piercing pains. Reg- 
ulate the actions of the bowels and kidneys, take a hot water 
bath three times a week. To a teacup half full of hot water, 
add fifteen drops of spirits of camphor and five drops of es- 
sence of peppermint. Mix, and snuff a small quantity up the 
nose twice a day, and also use a little as a gargle. No harm 
is done if some of it happens to be swallowed. 

CARE OF THE EYES.— GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

We hardly appreciate the real value of the eyes till we are 
almost facing the loss of the use of them. One of the chief 
causes of failure of the eye sight is due to the improper care and 
protection given the eyes. Rooms occupied by individuals whose 
occupation requires constant and close use of the eyes, should 
be well lighted. The eyes should be well protected from the 
light falling directly on them, by a shade worn over them dur- 
ing working hours, and this shade should extend sufficiently 
far as to prevent the light falling on the lids at all. By having 
the eyes thus shaded the glare of the light reflected from the 
object looked upon is materially lessened, also the direct rays 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 551 

of light are much softened in tone, thus considerably less tax- 
ing the eves. 

The best light is day light. The nearer artificial light ap- 
proximates day light the more salutary it will be to the eyes, 
hence artificial light should resemble day light as near as possi- 
ble, and should be sufficiently intense to prevent straining of 
the eyes. Lamp shades of a bluish-greenish tint should be used 
at night to modify and soften the rays of light. 

The furnishings and draperies of rooms should be of those 
tints and combinations of tints most agreeable to the eyes, the 
yellows and reds being the most objectionable. 

Long-continued use of white paper reflects a glare highly 
injurious to the eyes. A slight suggestion of bluish tint obvi- 
ates this. The glare of reflected sun light from white, bright 
yellow and also red paints on buildings are highly injurious to 
the eyes. Plentiful surroundings of trees with their green foliage 
modifies this agreeably, green being nature's own tone for mod- 
ifying all other colors and tints agreeably to the eyes. 

Printed words in small type are ruinous to the eye sight. 
Sleep at night, accepting nature's restful, restorative tonic to 
the eye sight ; this is also one of nature's greatest preservatives 
of the eye sight. Opening the eyes to a glaring light at night, 
especially after having been asleep, is very destructive to the 
eye sight. Bathing the eyes in hot water of mornings is very 
useful in preserving the eye sight. The less medicine of any kind 
used in the eyes, the safer the eye sight is. 

There is no part of the body which can be afflicted without 
the entire body suffering to some extent. Hence, when the eyes 
are sick, unless from mechanical injury, there is a constitutional 
derangement as a foundation for the affection, and this must 
be removed before a cure can be effected. The external surface 
of the eye lids, like the skin on any other part of the body, 



552 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

may be affected with diseases that affect any other part of the 
body, as erysipelas, measles, scarlet fever, small pox, or any 
eruptive inflammation the skin may be subject to, boils, and 
styes may appear, also warts, moles and other growths. 

The internal covering of the eye is a mucous membrane, 
and may be afflicted with any form of disease common to mu- 
cous membranes in any other part of the body, and the treat- 
ment of its affections, like diseased mucous membranes in any 
other part of the body, must be directed to and effected by 
placing the general constitution in normal condition; while 
local treatments aid restoratively, the principal dependence and 
certainty of cure, is the placing in normal condition the general 
constitution or health. 

Senile failure of eye sight must be endured as we must en- 
dure the senile failure of the entire structure of our body. Keep- 
ing the general health in the best condition possible, and avoid 
straining the eyes in using, is the best preservative of their use. 
The senile failure of the eye sight cannot be restored to youth- 
ful vigor, and such attempts are fruitless. Any severe medicines, 
operations or treatments, when senile failures present, is fraught 
with great danger of destroying the sight you are spared, 
hence only the very mildest tonic treatment should be permit- 
ted. The camphorated hot water and golden seal tea, and 
simply hot water baths, will be found to meet most every one 
of the requirements kindly, and these while doing the good 
needed, are in no way harmful. 

The wearing of glasses or spectacles, should never be re- 
sorted to except in extreme age — this rule suiting very nearly 
every case. The extreme to which the habit of "prescribing" 
spectacle wearing has been carried, has become disgusting as 
well as displaying a serious deficiency of intelligently knowing 
what and how to treat, unwillingness to treat aright or both. 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 553 

To place spectacles on a patient with eye sight disturbance, 
which arises from simply the pent-in filths within the body that 
should have been daily cast out of the body, but that have been 
of so long continued retention that the skin of the entire body 
is absolutely dyed with them, presents an uncanny advertise- 
ment for professional skill. 

SELECTING SPECTACLES. 

In selecting spectacles, no one can make a suitable selection 
for you but yourself. You alone can judge those that meet 
your requirements. If you desire them for far view those 
meeting this requirement with perfect ease are to be selected; 
likewise, if for near view, those meeting this requirement must 
be selected. While the eye in its natural vigor by its inate fac- 
ulty adapts itself to this requirement, glasses, or spectacles 
not possessing this quality of adaptation, can not make the 
changes necessary for such purpose, and if your eyes have lost 
this vigor for these uses, there is no power in all the specta- 
cles in the world that can restore it, though they may aid in 
using kindly that you have left. 

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR TREATING AILMENTS 

OF THE EYES. 

In all ailments of the eyes, the first essential treatment 
is to place the general health in the best possible condition; 
when this is done most frequently there is no eye trouble 
lingering to be coaxed back to health. Hot water sponge- 
baths to the entire surface of the body should be taken 
about three times a week ; the feet should be treated to a 
soaking hot water bath of at least twenty or thirty minutes 
duration, every night before retiring. The internal system 
should be thoroughly cleansed from morbid matters from 
-within itself by promoting excretion by way of the kidneys 



554 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and bowels. When this is effectually done, there will be 
found exceedingly few cases of inflammatory or ulcerative con- 
ditions of the eyes that will require more treatment than 
is directed in the following treatments : The constitutional 
treatment I have directed, and the frequent bathings 
with hot water, will cure the very largest variety of all 
eye ailments, and even if the ailment is of scrofulous origin. 
And among all the known remedies, there is nothing that 
equals the hot water bathings for relieving pain, reducing 
inflammation, reducing swellings, and dispersing suppurative 
processes, thus restoring to healthy condition, and without 
any possible after trouble. 

Any kind of hair swabs or brushes are to be condemned in 
treatment of the eyes. Hairs are cutting. Cotton swabs are 
decidedly preferable. Besides being best for the eyes, the cot- 
ton swabs are cheap, and hence a new one can be used at 
every treatment. 

CONJUNCTIVITIS. 

Ophthalmia is a term applied to various inflamed condi- 
tions of the eyes, and is applied to various degrees of severity 
and manifestations of inflamed sore eyes, and which affections 
may be scrofulous, catarrhal, purulent, various, scarlatinous, 
or other morbid conditions, internal or external, all of which 
manifest from a morbid condition of the general system. The 
writer here uses the term conjunctivitis instead of the term 
ophthalmia, to include a large number of morbid conditions of 
the eyes. 

Conjunctivitis is of more frequent occurrence, of greater or 
less severity, than any other form of affliction of the eyes, 
though when not associated with syphilitic taint, it is com- 
paratively easy to cure. This affection is an inflammation of 
the mucous membrane covering the ball or globe of the eye, 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 555 

and lining the lids and inner walls of the sockets; it may be 
chiefly confined to any of these parts, or it may involve all of 
these parts at the same time. Whichever part the inflamma- 
tion may be confined to manifests redness, increased heat, 
swelling, soreness and pain, in greater or less degree, accord- 
ing to the degree of severity or magnitude of the inflamma- 
tion, when the inflammation is deeply extended, the suffering 
is greater, especially is this true if the inflammation is 
deeply extended in the ball or globe of the eye. 

In all the manifestations of this disease there are some 
symptoms common to all — the heat, the redness, and swelling, 
and there may or may not be discharge. When there is no 
discharge, the heat is more intense and the swelling is more 
firm, and is accompanied with more pain and soreness. The 
conjunctivia over the eyeball sometimes swells, forming a ridge- 
like fold manifestation, that may destroy the vision if permit- 
ted to continue. This condition has been diagnosed cataract, 
and operation has been advised. 

While it embodies, much of the cataractous nature, yet it 
yields kindly to local hot water treatment, in very, very many 
cases with no other treatment, though its disappearance may 
be hastened by the hot camphorated water baths, permitting 
a little of the camphorated water to enter the inside of the 
lids ; this aids in throwing out the excess of accumulated 
fluid and giving tone to the structures, thus kindly acting as a 
restorative. 

The discharge which is sometimes free and profuse keeps 
the swelling and heat within limits. 

In conditions of inflammation of the conjunctivia the dis- 
charge is usually watery, or watery-mucous at first, afterwards 
assuming a more or less thick, purulent type. The discharges 
may cause excoriation of the edges of the lids or surrounding 



556 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

parts with which it may come in contact, if permitted to re- 
main very long, or if the discharge is purulent extensive ulcer- 
ation may manifest. 

The severest manifestations of sore eyes to be met with are 
among the very bilious, the poorly fed, or the poorly nourished, 
those insufficiently clothed and of improper surroundings, the 
syphilitic and uncleanly — the last two named being the most 
unsightly and the most difficult to cure. Exposures to smoke, 
dust and lint from factories and shops, and various other in- 
ductions of irritable substances into the eyes, also extreme heat 
or extreme cold, are productive of injury resulting in inflam- 
mation of some part. Inflammations and ulcerations, little 
boils, styes as they are usually called, may and do manifest 
wholly from constitutional disturbance other than syphilis — 
may arise from simply biliousness, or from an impoverished 
and vitiated condition of the blood due to deficient excretions, 
the deficient activity of the kidneys and bowels. 

Ordinary or simple inflammation of the eyes, if at all prop- 
erly managed, does not injure the vision. Those of great length 
of duration may destroy vision, especially under bad treatment 
and bad management. 

On the first manifestation of inflammation of the eyes, fre- 
quently there is no discharge, but may early extend to this 
stage of progress, which stage is frequently called catarrhal 
sore eyes, or catarrhal ophthalmia. Ulceration of the eyes may 
be confined to the edges of the eyelids, to the lids or inner walls 
of the sockets; in either case a vigorous constitutional treat- 
ment and the mild tonic washes, which I will shortly direct, 
and hot water baths will effect a cure. If associated with the 
ball jor'globe of the eye it is more serious and more difficult to 
cure, but proper constitutional treatment and mild local treat- 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 557 

ment, and getting the system in the best nourished condition, 
gives the good result desired — the cure. 

For local applications in simple inflammation of the eyes, 
simply bathing the eyes with hot water three to four times 
daily, very frequently proves all that is necessary. A little salt 
added to the bath used, often greatly aids in effecting the re- 
covery, especially where there disposes to form crusts about 
the edges of the eye lids. 

If the discharges seem fetid, add half a teaspoonful of chlo- 
rate of potassa to half a glass of water, and take a teaspoon- 
ful of the mixture three times a day, for two or three days, in 
addition to the other treatment being used. 

Take golden seal, a teaspoonful, place in a vessel and pour 
upon it a teacupful of boiling water, let it stand till cold, then 
strain it and add a pinch of sulphate of zinc the size of a small 
pea. This is a most effective wash for these inflammations; it 
should be applied twice a day. 

Where there is a disposition of the appearance of little pim- 
ples, boils, or styes, as they are usually called, the camphorated 
ointment serves to disperse them. Dissolve one-fourth of an 
ounce of camphor gum in an ounce of pure hog's lard, by mild 
heat, remove from the fire and when cool add twenty drops of 
oil of peppermint and thoroughly mix. Fifteen drops of lauda- 
num may be added to this mixture with some benefit. It must 
be applied to the edges of the lids, this serving the best, if well 
applied after the patient gets to sleep. 

In all conditions of inflamed or sore eyes no matter of 
what nature, the system must be cleared of morbid matters, 
and the excretions kept active. For this purpose the following 
serves most effectually, and after the first few doses, only an 
occasional dose is necessary to continue the action, thus obvi- 
ating the all-day and every-day dosing: Take simple syrup 



558 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

and glycerine, of each, three ounces ; sweet spirits of nitre, one 
ounce ; fluid extract of cascara aromatic, one half an ounce ; 
tincture of capsicum, a drachm ; and podophyllin, two grains. 
Mix thoroughly and take a teaspoonful every four hours, till 
free biliary alvine action is seen to follow. Then a teaspoonful 
taken just before going to bed at night, every third or fifth 
day, serves to continue the necessary action or influence. There 
is no remedy superior to the above for the constitutional treat- 
ment, in any condition of inflamed, or sore eyes, even though 
there be syphilitic taint, or complication. 

The capsules (see remedies in this book) may be given with 
frequency as above to those who dislike to take a fluid medi- 
cine. 

When the inflammation of the eye ball or globe of the eye 
seems of much severity, as is indicated by great pain, a swelled 
and intense red appearance, or the suppurative discharge is 
great, take a tablespoonful of the above medicine, every night 
for three nights, then every third or fourth night, and the fol- 
lowing during the day : Take water and glycerine, of each, 
two ounces; polymnia uvedalia, one half of a drachm. Mix, 
and take a teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day, half 
an hour before meals. 

Tincture of bryonia, twenty drops ; water, four ounces. 
Mix. A teaspoonful given every two or three hours, disperses 
pain, whether in the ball or any other of the parts, lessens in- 
flammation and hastens recovery. 

The yellow dock syrup directed in this book in treatments 
of the face, may be given with good results in some cases dispos- 
ing to pus dischargings and pus formations, and inflammations. 

GRANULATED SORE EYES. 
In this condition of eye ailment, in addition to the inflam- 
mation, there is a papulous, or grain-like manifestation over 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 559 

the inner surfaces of the lids of the eyes, or may extend over 
the eye ball, but it is usually confined to the lids ; there is a 
sensation or feeling in the eye as if there were little grains of 
sand or other like irritating substances in the eyes. The man- 
ifestation is due to the inflammation being deeply extended, 
and which is due to the morbid condition of the general 
system. 

In this manifestation, there is not much disposition to sup- 
puration, but to a continuation of inflammation, with the 
accompanying unpleasant sensations somewhat as if there were 
grains of sand in the eyes. Take the above preparation con- 
taining cascara and podophyllin, as directed, or the mixture 
directed in the treatment of uraemia in this book, as there di- 
rected. Or the capsules (see remedies in this book), taken one 
every three hours till free biliary alvine dejections are seen, 
then one every other to every fourth night, so long as needed, 
and use the following local application: First bathe the eyes 
with plain hot water, then with a bath made by adding ten 
drops of spirits of camphor, to about a third of a teacupful 
of hot water, and in applying permit a small portion to enter 
the eyes. This camphorated bath causes a copious flow of 
fluid from the granulations, and allays inflammation, thus 
removing the morbid condition; it also lends a tonic effect to 
the structures of the parts unequaled by anything that I have 
tried for this condition. I have had success in curing this 
manifestation of eye trouble with the above treatments, -where 
others have failed to even give relief. It requires but a short 
time to effect the cure, and relief is experienced from the be- 
ginning of treatment. 



560 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

CATARACT OF THE EYES. 

Operation for the cure of cataract of the eyes is not advis- 
able, and almost always results very unsatisfactorily; the 
writer has never known a case operated upon that resulted 
satisfactorily. 

It is exceeding rare that the primary cause of cataract is 
located in the eye — if ever it is. Close investigation will show 
that cataract of the eye or eyes appeared and developed during 
some period of special ill-health, prolonged eye-strain, or ex- 
cessive hardship on some other part of the body. Rare cases 
are congenital. I have met but one. Prolonged standing on 
the feet, punishing shoes, prolonged constipation and frequent 
straining at stool, heavy lifting, prolonged and exhausting 
work with the hands and arms, or a vitiated condition of the 
general constitution caused by pent-up effete materials in the 
circulation producing inflammation — which may locate in any 
part of the body, will give rise to this condition — and various 
other abnormal conditions — even total blindness. When the 
condition appears, causes that it is reasonable to believe may 
have led up to the condition must be removed, and the patient 
given adequate rest; when this is done, frequently no other 
treatment will be found necessary. 

Comfortable rest both to body and mind is of first prime 
importance for a cure; free urinary and alvine excretion, and 
wholesome nutrition is of next importance, and local treatment 
will be but mildly required. 

For the constitutional treatment, for establishing excretion, 
promoting nutrition and assimilation, give the remedy directed 
given in the treatment of conjunctivitis (which see), as there 
directed. For the local treatment, first bathe the eye with 
plain water quite warm, then bathe the eye with equal parts 
of spirits of camphor and hot water, permitting a small por- 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 561 

tion of this mixture to enter the eye. The effect of this will 
cause a copious flow of water from the eye. This for the 
morning treatment. Bathe the eye in plain hot water before 
retiring to bed, and introduce a pledget of cotton well satu- 
rated with pure glycerine, into the nasal cavity on the side of 
the affected eye, and let remain till morning (unless the patient 
should awake during the night, when the pledget may be 
changed for another one well saturated with glycerine). The 
above treatment disperses the morbid accumulation of fluid, 
and the inflammation. After the cataractous appearance has 
dispersed, a wash of golden seal tea used once a day for a 
short time will be all that is needed. 

WATERY EYES. 

When watery eyes, or the ej^es running hot water, exhibits, 
there is a constitutional disturbance and generally a recent cold. 
A capsule (see remedies in this book) taken, one every four 
hours till three or four have been taken, if the case is severe; 
if mild, one taken at night just before going to bed, will put 
matters right. Local treatments in these attacks are seldom 
necessarv. Should the condition be a little slow to subside, 
however, use the hot water bath, but always avoid using 
medicines in the eyes as much as possible. 

THE WEEPING EYE. 

There is very occasionally met a condition called the weep- 
ing eye. (It is not, however, the variety that moves the sickly 
sentimental.) There is no apparent inflammation present, 
except on extreme exposures to cold, and then it generally 
subsides without treatment; and the vision does not impair. 
The weeping is almost continual, lessening slightly towards 
midday. The writer has met but one case, and that one quite 



562 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a number of years ago. The mother of the subject had the 
case treated by many doctors, but without curative effect. 
The case was cured, however, by the application of a little coal 
oil on the lid and the angle of the eyes, which treatment was 
recommended by an "old woman." (Just like them.) 

CROSSED EYES. 

Squint eye, strabismus, or crossed eyes, is so rarely bene- 
fited that it is usually better to content with the situation 
rather than risk coming out with a worse one. Let them 
alone. 

NERVOUS TWITCHINGS ABOUT THE EYES. 

A twitching nervousness sometimes appears about the eyes 
that occasionally proves quite annoying. It is due to a mor- 
bid condition of the system which depresses the nerves. Keep- 
ing the urinary and alvine excretions free, disperses it and pre- 
vents its return. The capsules (see remedies in this book), or 
any of the preparations named in this book containing cascara 
and podophyllin, taken as there directed, taken to produce 
very free biliary alvine dejections, will produce the cure desired. 
The hot water baths to and about the eyes is all the local 
treatment needed. 

THE ACHING, TIRED EYES. 

For the aching, tired eyes, caused by long application to 
reading, sewing, or other employment requiring prolonged use 
of the eyes, bathe in simply hot water freely till relief comes, 
which will come in a few minutes if the bath is administered 
properly. Ten drops of essence of peppermint may be added 
to a third of a teacupful of hot water, and used as a bath, 
but the hot water alone will give the best relief. 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 563 

SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS. 

This affliction of the eyes is sometimes congenital, in which 
case it cannot be cured; when such is the case, it manifests 
very early in life. The habitual limitation of the view, is the 
cause when it is not congenital. Those persons who confine 
the eyes closely to some object, as engravers, students, work- 
ing people who have to handle minute objects, or work on 
things close to the eyes continually, compose the class of those 
who have acquired it. 

Giving the eyes a change, by occasionally lifting the eyes 
and looking far from you, obviates much of this eye-strain. 
When the mischief is done, a cure can only be effected by rest 
and a change, when the natural sight will return. Do not resort 
to wearing glasses thinking to effect a cure, for it will only 
augment the trouble. Change position and give the eyes a 
perfect rest. No surgical operation in these cases can do any 
possible good, but on the contrary can do an immense amount 
of harm, can destroy what sight you have. 

In addition to change and rest, the eyes may be bathed 
night and morning with mild camphorated water, or simply 
hot water, using it quite comfortably hot. It should be ap- 
plied with a silk sponge or silken fabric, or, a bit of new cot- 
ton, and a new bath should be made for each application. 

DAY-BLINDNESS. 

Day-blindness, also called nyctalopia, or night vision, while 
said to be natural to a few of the species of the animal king- 
dom, is acquired by the human family. Constantly using the 
eyes at night without using them in the daylight, develops 
this annoyance. A change and rest are the absolute necessity 
in this condition. If the general health should be impaired, a 
general restorative treatment should be administered. A change 
of conditions, general rest up, and regulating excretions, is 



564 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

usually all that is necessary; for regulating the excretions, the 
following kindly gives the desired result. Take simple syrup 
and glycerine, of each, two ounces; fluid extract of cascara 
aromatic, half an ounce. Mix, and take a teaspoonful three 
times a day for three days, then a dose at bed time will be 
sufficiently frequent to keep excretions promoted. Or, the 
preparation containing the tincture of prickly ash berries, and 
leptandra, directed in case three, in this book. The eye sight 
is our most precious possession. 

Some disturbances of vision are congenital, and while some 
of them are greatly remedied by skillful treatment, there are 
many manifestations for which no relief can be had. 

"WILD HAIRS." 

There are no such appendages appearing among the draper- 
ies of the eyes, and the pulling out of the eye hairs, or lashes, 
augments and aggravates the condition. The annoyance at- 
tributed to such cause, is due to morbid condition of the 
blood, "to bad blood," (see article on bad blood in this book) 
which may be, and usually is augmented by various exposures, 
as heat, dust, and cold winds. The eyes are weak and tender, 
there are soreness and redness of the edges of the lids, some- 
times a crust formation, usually little pustules, or little boils 
they really are, form at the root of the lashes, and to this is 
due the distressing sensation that is experienced. 

While local treatment is necessary, no severe treatment is 
required, and none but that which is very mild must be used. 
Most generally simply the frequent hot water baths or washes, 
will do all that can be done by local treatment; this, in any 
stage of the progress of the ailment, allays the inflammation 
and swelling, when present, and if pus formation is present or 
forming, it fluidifies it, thus dispersing the morbidness by way 
of the circulation, relieving and saving the eyes. If no boils, 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 565 

little pustules or pimples have manifested, it is rare that the 
hot baths alone do not suffice ; if these are forming or formed, 
the camphorated vaseline applied to the edges of the lids after 
going to sleep, and left remaining, gives the palliative and 
curing relief. 

For constitutional betterment and cleansing the blood, 
thus dispersing the cause of the above morbid manifestation, 
and producing a cure, the following mixture gives the accept- 
able cure: Take fluid extract or yellow dock, two ounces; 
fluid extract of may apple root, one drachm; glycerine, three 
ounces; simple syrup, one ounce; essence of peppermint, one 
ounce. Mix. Take a teaspoonful of this mixture half an hour 
before dinner and supper, every day for a week, so long as 
needed. This mixture is invaluable in any manifestation of 
inflamed or sore eyes, and may be taken as above directed. 

EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. 

The exhibition of this affliction is consequent upon great 
constitutional disturbance, greatly debilitated condition, usu- 
ally associated with scrofula, frequently with syphillis, aided 
by overwork and undue excitement of the generative organs. 
It manifests among both males and females. Its periods of de- 
velopment extend from the beginning of the transition from 
girlhood to womanhood in the females, and from the transi- 
tion from boyhood to manhood in the male, to forty-five or 
fifty years old. 

When this manifestation exhibits there is a noticeable de- 
gree of thyroid enlargement, usually. 

Violent nervous excitement may initiate its immediate on- 
set, which may be spasmodic or progressive. Its ultimate 
entire recovery is doubtful, rarely entirely disappearing; en- 
largement may quite perceptibly decrease, but its destructive 
exhibit remains more or less. 



566 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The prime treatment consists in placing the general health 
in the best possible condition, by establishing healthy exere- 
tion, favoring a high degree of nutrition, and promoting eqali- 
zation of circulation. To this must be added fresh air, pleas- 
ant mental surroundings and mild exercise taken. 

For giving the constitutional betterment, give the mixture 
directed in this book to be given in the treatment of "Wild 
Hairs," as there directed. 

Take polymnia uvedalia, five drops ; water and glycerine, of 
each, two ounces. Mix. Take one teaspoonful three times a 
day. The special effect obtained from this remedy is the reduc- 
tion of the enlargement, and assists in dispersing imflamma- 
tion. 

Bathe the afflicted part with equal parts of echinacea and 
water, morning and evening. 

INFANTILE SORE EYES. 

The term infantile conjunctivitis may include almost all 
the usual types of sore eyes manifesting in infants and children 
several years of age, except those which present from injury, 
or some conditions which are congenital, perhaps. These in- 
flammations may manifest when the infant is but a few days 
old. Appearing in the very early days of its life it may be 
due to local congestion caused by undue exposure of the eyes 
to cold, or from shock caused by undue exposure of the eyes 
to light ; it may be the result of uncleanliness ; and it is some- 
times due to inherited syphilitic taint. 

If the manifestation is due to the first named causes, pro- 
tection of the eyes, bathing and cleansing with hot water, and 
hot sweet milk, which may be combined, or used alternately 
will effect the cure. Frequently this treatment is all that is 
necessary, in fact it is exceedingly rare that this does not cure 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 567 

every case. If not readily yielding to the above treatment, 
add a slight suggestion of salt to the water, used for the eye 
bath; this may constitute the morning bath, and for the even- 
ing bath, use simply hot water, or the golden seal tea or in- 
fusion (which see in treatment of eyes in another article in 
this book) may be used. If the disease manifests from un- 
cleanliness, cleanliness is the remedy. 

If syhilitic symptoms appear, constitutional treatment will 
be necessary. If the child is under six months old, the mother 
may take the medicine that is intended to produce the consti- 
tutional effects upon the child, the child receiving sufficient 
medicine through the milk — if it be nursing the mother. I have 
effected some remarkable cures in young nursing children from 
this mode of medicating, though there are some cases this 
mode does not appreciably affect. In the case of a child eight 
months old, that was nursing its mother, I cured one of the 
worst cases of syphilitic manifestations that ever came under 
my observation, by giving the medicine that was intended for 
constitutional effect, to the mother. In this case not one dose 
of medicine was given to the child. The child was given hot 
■water sponge-baths, daily, using castile soap freely, for cleans- 
ing purposes. 

CARE OF THE TEETH. 

The proper care of the teeth is comparatively neglected, fre- 
quently at least till they are in an advanced stage of decay. 
Attention to the care of the teeth, at the latest, should begin 
as soon as the permanent set begin making their appearance. 

The prominent local attention necessary is daily cleansing. 
The safest method for this purpose is to use a woolen cloth or 
rag moistened with pure water and dipped in very finely pul- 
verized charcoal, and with the rag over the finger rub carefully 
and cleanse the teeth. While this mode of cleansing is quite 



568 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

simple in a way, and is not very esthetic perhaps, the reward 
received in preserving a mouthful of pretty teeth is -worth the 
attention given. Any particle of food remaining between the 
teeth should be removed with a wooden toothpick. 

This method of cleansing the teeth, besides leaving them 
clean and white, prevents unpleasant odors about them, and 
also prevents the accumulation of tartar upon them, which 
formation predisposes to early and rapid decay. 

This method of cleansing and caring for the teeth is safe, is 
in no way injurious and requires no other antiseptic. 

Never use a brush on the teeth, as it cuts away the enamel, 
thus beginning the destruction of the teeth. 

If the gums are becoming unduly soft, or are receding from 
the neck of the teeth, a daily use of the following preparation 
will restore the needed tonicity: Take golden seal, two parts; 
bayberry bark, one part. Mix thoroughly and apply a small 
quantity on the gums after cleansing the teeth. 

Tincture of myrrh applied to the teeth is said to remove 
tartar from them when present. Magnesia is also quite effi- 
cient for this purpose. 

CARE OF THE EARS.-GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

The old saying, "Put nothing in your ears smaller than 
your elbow," is the best advice ever given. The habit of pick- 
ing, scooping, and syringing the ears has been productive of 
more cases of loss of hearing, a multitude of times more, than 
would have resulted from any and all causes short of direct 
effort to destroy the hearing. There is no syringing needed to 
keep the ear clean, and no more picking or scooping 
than you can do with the end of your little finger; the action 
of the condyle of the jaw in the glenoid fossa causes sufficient 
movement of the external canal to work the cerumen out- 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 569 

wards, so that in the ordinary process of wiping the ear, 
enough wax is removed each time to answer the purpose. 

In every case of disturbed hearing, unless congenital or 
caused by mechanical injury, some constitutional derangement 
is the foundation cause, even if it be nothing more serious than 
the wax becoming harder than is consistent to its easy and 
natural removal. 

The internal surface of the walls of the ear may become 
inflamed and may swell, which will not only cause a degree of 
pain, earache, but may cause the hearing to be less acute ; this 
will in most cases disappear from applying a hot water bath 
three or four times daily. The mode of applying the bath is 
by means of a sponge, or silk or -woolen mat or rag, folded 
four or five thicknesses, dipped in water as hot as can 
possibly be borne, the mat squeezed to remove the surplus 
water so that it does not drip, and the mat held over the ear, 
repeating to keep it hot. It is best to have two sponges or 
mats, and when one is removed immediately place the other; 
thus proceeding a good, full benefit is obtained. This bath 
should continue for thirty minutes at least, to obtain a good 
result. In this bath may be placed thirty drops of spirits of 
camphor to a teacupful of water used, and ten drops of oil of 
peppermint. Saturate a pledget of cotton with equal parts of 
spirits of camphor and castor oil, and place it in the ear. 

If the inflammation is very severe a constitutional medicine 
must be given. For this purpose the capsules may be given 
(see remedies in this book), or the following: Take 
glycerine, and simple syrup, of each two ounces ; fluid ex- 
tract of cascara, half an ounce ; and tincture of buchu, one-half 
an ounce. Mix, and give a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
four hours, till free alvine action is seen, then a dose every 
night so long as needed. 



570 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Take tincture of bryonia, twenty drops ; water, four ounces. 
Mix. A teaspoonful given every fifteen minutes till four doses 
have been given, then a dose given every one to three hours, 
so long as needed. Immediate relief begins to manifest follow- 
ing the first few doses. 

This remedy given in any conditions of earache, or swelled 
conditions in or about the ears, not only relieves pain, but 
disperses inflammation, soreness and swellings. It may be 
given to persons of any age, dose proportioned according to 
age. The above dose is for an adult. 

In almost every affection of the ears, the tonsils or the 
buccal glands, or both, are also affected more or less ; the ton- 
sils, in fact, may be the location of the ailment primarily, in- 
stead of the ear. Examination for detecting these conditions 
should be made. If the tonsils are the parts affected, treat- 
ment must be directed to their requirement. See sore throat 
elsewhere in this book. 

Equal parts of spirits of camphor, turpentine, essence of 
peppermint, and oil of cedar, of each one ounce; castor oil, 
half an ounce. Mix. Saturate a pledget of cotton with this 
liniment and apply it well around the ear, and over the region 
of the tonsils, repeating the application twice a day, also ad- 
ministering the hot water baths if there is much severity. 
Give the bryonia mixture, before directed in this article, as there 
directed, if there is much suffering. If suffering is but mild, 
give it every three hours during the day. Saturating a pledget 
of cotton with hot camphorated vaseline, and introducing well 
into the ear disperses pain and inflammation and also softens 
the wax. 

For placing the system favorable to recovery, take the 
remedy directed in the treatment of "wild hairs," in this book, 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 571 

there directed for constitutional betterment. Take it as there 
directed. 

The above treatment brings relief to pain, disperses inflam- 
mation and swellings, softens hardened wax, and there are but 
very few cases of ear aches, hardened wax in the ear, inflam- 
mation or swellings in and about the ears, or boils which oc- 
casionally manifest in the ears, or those long running dis- 
charges, or purulent discharges from the ear, or ears, or de- 
fective hearing that the above treatment will not speedily and 
certainly cure. 

POLYPUS OF THE EAR. 

Hot water baths to the ears, and a morning dressing of 
equal parts of castor oil, spirits of camphor, and turpentine, 
mixed and applied on a pledget of cotton well into the ear, and 
an evening dressing of the following, will disperse nearly every 
case of polypus in the ear or ears : Tincture of benzoin, two 
drachms; water, four ounces. Mix. 

The powder or mixture containing golden seal and blood 
root, directed elsewhere in this book for sores in the nose, is also 
beneficial in this affliction. 

The recovery is hastened ■ by taking the following for con- 
stitutional betterment : Take fluid extract of yellow dock, two 
ounces ; fluid extract of May apple root, one drachm ; glycerine 
three ounces, and essence of peppermint, one ounce. Mix. Take 
one teaspoonful half an hour before dinner and half an hour 
before supper, for one week; then a dose from four times to 
once a week, so long as needed. 

BONY GROWTHS IN THE EAR. 

Abnormal bony growths in the ears are very rarely met, 
though occasionally a case might be found. A bony growth, 
unless it threatens to destroy the hearing by occlusion, is bet- 



572 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ter left undisturbed, or if only one ear is troubled, it may be 
very probable that it best be left undisturbed anyhow, surgery 
leaves deformities to mark the path of her travels far worse 
than that assumed to be removed, very, very frequently. 

FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EARS. 

Foreign bodies occasionally get into the ears, especially 
among small children, who for some unaccountable reason 
must stuff their ears and nose full of something once in a life 
time. These foreign bodies must be removed by mechanical 
means. 

OBSERVATIONS IN CARE OF THE EARS. 

A large per cent, of ear aches appearing among children, is 
due to exposure to cold winds, and cold generally, and these 
little bundles of suffering humanity must suffer intensely, at 
times, if relief is not given them, and when they send in their 
signals of this distress, prompt attention should be given them. 
The treatment directed above will give relieve to these cases. 
Simply the spirits of camphor and castor oil mixed and intro- 
duced into the ear on a pledget of cotton hot, and keeping 
the child in a warm bed for awhile, very frequently gives the 
desired relief, no other remedy being necessary. 

A pledget of cotton saturated with hamamelis, and intro- 
duced into the ear, gives the desired relief, in some cases. The 
bryonia mixture, directed elsewhere in this article, may be 
given if the suffering is very great, the dose being proportioned 
according to the age, but the frequency of taking remains 
the same. 

Many of the abnormalities associated with the ears, man- 
ifesting in senility, are due to a yielding up of the vital en- 
ergies, and nothing much beyond simple palliative treatment 



THE FACE — TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 573 

can be done. Favoring the prevention of the loss of hearing, 
the general health must be kept in the best possible condition. 

In catarrhal inflammations which sometimes manifest, with 
but slow tendency to progress to greater severity, the pledget 
of cotton saturated with the above preparations and used as 
above directed, and the hot water baths also given as before 
directed, will give the desired cure. 

All of the remedies I have directed, are effective, but mild 
and safe, and leave no bad after effects. 

Much more deafness, boils and pimples in the ears, inflam- 
mations, achings, repulsive discharges and a multiplicity of 
other types of abnormal manifestations, are due to admitting 
water into the ears when washing, or swimming, or, from 
water having been syringed into the ears, than has ever been 
thought of. The disturbances of the hearing following measles, 
scarlet fever, and diphtheria, are due, in addition to the tender- 
ness of the lining membranes consequent from the eruption, to the 
reflex extension of the ailment of the tonsils and other glands 
which are extensively disturbed in these ailments, and which dis- 
turbance is due to the disturbance of the digestive organs or 
glands, and the lymphatics throughout the system, which exists 
in these types of disease. 

In the treatment of any conditions of sicknesses of the ears, 
properly placing the general health can not be lost sight of; 
getting the general system well — getting the system rid of its 
biliousness or morbidness, is of the first prime importance, and 
the sick ear will not speed to recovery till this improvement 
in the general system is at least progressing well. 

A great source of the disturbance of hearing is due to blows 
over the ears, much more of this athletic practice being indulged 
in than is quite refining or conducive to pleasant results, and 



574 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

too, this is practiced by many from whom we might expect a 
better refinement. 

The indulgence of intoxicating drinks is a fruitful source of 
deafness and defective hearing. 

In cleansing the sick ears use a piece of sponge or cloth 
wet with warm or hot water, but never cold. 

The use of the syringe in the auditory canal is attended 
with danger to the drum head. 

Perforation of the drum head not only impairs the hearing, 
but it destroys it. 

The deeper structures of the ears are protected from hurtful 
external influences by the natural curvature of the auditory 
canal. 

THE HAIR.— ITS CARE, AND OBSERVATIONS 
REGARDING IT. 

Many suppose that the thinness of the hirsute appendages 
of the scalp may be thickened at will and a great length of 
hair be produced almost simply for the liking to have it, but 
such is not the case. A good suit of hair upon the head is a 
nice possession and an elegant beautifier, but it is not a gift of 
nature to every one, and when nature has not laid her plans 
out in that way to produce it no science nor art can do so. 

It is a popular supposition that a heavy suit of hair is in- 
dicative of bodily vigor; however this may be it may be ob- 
served that those possessing the extra heavy suits of hair are 
pretty generally somewhat sluggish and stupid to a degree, 
hence their stock of vigor is not over-heavily drawn upon. It 
may also be observed that the seemingly heavy suits of hair 
are not wholly due to any larger number of hairs, but to the 
coarseness of them, and also that this esthetic deficiency of 
fineness is slightly manifest throughout the being. 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 575 

It is advanced, and with considerable degree of plausibility, 
that intellectuality is a depiliator. I can not admit, however, 
that mental occupation alone is accountable for the many bald 
pates to be seen in almost any congregation of people. There 
is a very great force of side-line influence, no doubt, that plays 
an important part in "blazing" at least the greater number of 
them. The fact that bald heads are almost exclusively men 
lends strong indications that the habits and care of the head 
have much to do with the balding of them. 

There are comparatively few men who do more mental 
work than women — in fact there are as many that do far less, 
as there are that do as much. The fact that men resort to 
places outside of the home-dwellings and pose as business men 
and professionals, is no evidence of their excessive mentality 
over the women, who in many instances are not only the men- 
tal factor in the economy of the home, which alone requires no 
small amount of this fabric, but are also performing that part 
of the poser's work requiring any intellectuality. There have 
been more speeches applauded that were the woman's fabrica- 
tion than has leaked out, and more sermons listened to by an 
attentive audience, that had the real author (a woman) deliv- 
ered, would not have been listened to at all, than has ever been 
hinted, and yet the women did not become bald headed. 

A thick or heavy growth of hair is not a natural gift to 
every one, and when nature has not supplied this, no amount 
of coaxing will outdo nature. The hair may be naturally thick 
on the head, naturally thin, naturally short, or naturally long. 
Also, may be of darker or lighter color. But ill-health and im- 
proper care greatly destroy the hair, preventing its growth, 
causing it to prematurely fall off, and marring the beauty of 
its color. 



576 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The hair upon the head, in addition to beautifying, prob- 
ably aids in preserving an equilibrium of the heat of the brain. 
The eyebrows beautify and prevent sweat from running into 
the eyes ; also the eyelashes in addition to beautifying, prevent 
sweat and foreign bodies from entering the eyes. 

There is a natural tendency of the hair to fall off after it 
has attained a certain growth, its place re-supplied by a new 
growth. There is a falling off of the hair caused by ill-health, 
which may be rectified by improving the health. The baldness 
from age cannot be remedied by any means, as it is due to the 
permanent absorption of the hair glands. 

A debilitated condition of the hair glands may manifest at 
any period of life occasioning thinness or deficiencyof hair, and 
even ultimate baldness. This abnormal condition of the hair 
glands may be produced by several causes ; it may follow ex- 
hausting fevers, or long debilitating chronic disease, violent 
mental emotion, erysipelas, excessive fright or grief, prostra- 
tion of the nervous system, syphilitic taints, intemperance in 
eating and drinking, late hours depriving of natural sleep, in- 
tense application of the mental powers, also exalted tempera- 
ture arising from constantly keeping the hat on the head, the 
increased heat caused thereby augmenting perspiration, which 
not being permitted to escape by evaporation, ultimately im- 
pairs the hair glands causing baldness or thinness of hair. 

Another great aid to baldness is the multiplicity of nos- 
trums applied to the scalp, many of which are without doubt 
extremely harmful. The number of articles that are of any 
utility in promoting the growth of the hair and preserving it 
is a very small number. 

Many diseases of the hair and scalp are disseminated from 
wearing other people's head apparel, dressing the hair with 
other people's combs and brushes, and heads coming in con- 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 577 

tact with each other. Syphilis, scald-head, tetter and other 
diseases may be disseminated in this way. 

For purposes of cleanliness and health, each individual 
should use toilet articles which no one else should be permitted 
to use. The scalp should be kept clean and cool, though ex- 
cessive washing with water containing strong soap should not 
be indulged in, as it deprives the scalp and hair of nature's own 
dressing which is the best promoter of hair growth. 

When the hair disposes to fall off unduly, recuperate the 
general health, and take plenty of sleep in nature's time for 
sleep — night. , 

Alcohol, castor oil and glycerine, of each, three ounces; and 
tincture of capsicum, two drachms, mixed, and applied twice a 
week serves a most excellent purpose in promoting the growth 
and preserving the life of the hair. Perfume this preparation 
with oil of lavender. 

A tonic preparation that is said to be highly beneficial for 
promoting the growth of the hair, is made up of the folio wing : 
Take vaseline, four ounces ; tincture of red Peruvian bark, one 
ounce ; and sufficient oil of lavender, or bergamot, to perfume. 
Mix, and apply twice a week. Vaseline alone, will promote 
the growth of the hair. 

Alcohol, four ounces ; pure hog's lard, two ounces ; and 
camphor gum, one ounce. Mix the camphor gum with the 
alcohol and let it dissolve, then add the lard, and mix all -well 
together. Apply once a week to the scalp. This is especially 
beneficial when the hair disposes to fall off after a person has 
suffered from fever, it lessening the tendency to fall off, and 
promoting growth. 

For preserving the natural color of the hair, there is noth- 
ing that is harmless that equals the following: Sulphur, one 
24- 



578 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

ounce; rain water or soft water, four ounces. Mix, and shake 
the bottle well every day for three days, and when the sulphur 
settles it is ready for use. The clear fluid is the part used, and 
may be carefully poured off, without stirring the sulphur. Ap- 
ply it well to the scalp two or three times a week, or as often 
as necessary. If the hair is excessively oily, add bay rum in- 
stead of water. 

A harmless brown dye for dyeing the hair on the head and 
hair switches is made by boiling half as much btack walnut 
hulls as water, for an hour, and then strain the dye; apply 
it warm to the hair on the head. In coloring hair switches, 
place them in the dye while it is hot, and let them remain for 
six or eight hours, keeping the dye hot, but not near boiling, 
and lift and turn the switches occasionally. Switches that are 
grizzly colored, or gray, can be dyed brown with this dye. 
The inner bark of the black walnut tree serves the same pur- 
pose as the hulls. This is harmless. The dye may be pur- 
chased at any drug store, but that usually has alum in it, 
which harms the hair. 

Peroxide of hydrogen is said to be a harmless bleach for 
the hair. It can be obtained at any drug store. When the 
hair is bleached, the wearer must wait for a new growth to 
restore the natural color. Ammonia will affect the color of 
the hair. Borax used in dressing gray hair, or white hair, is 
said to give it a yellow tinge. 

FOR IMPARTING BRILLIANCY TO THE HAIR. 
When hair is disposed to be unduly dry, bay rum increases 
the dryness. Castor oil and glycerine, of each one ounce ; clar- 
ified honey, three ounces; and alcohol, four ounces. Dissolve 
the wax by heat, and then mix all together. This is used by 
some people to give a brilliancy to the hair. The preparation 
may be perfumed with cologne or oil of lavender. 



THE FACE— TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 579 

FOR KEEPING THE HAIR IN PLACE. 

A preparation that has been used for keeping the hair in 
place is made as follows : Quince seed, half a ounce, bruised or 
powdered; pour over it a pint of boiling water and let it 
stand for twelve or fifteen hours, and then strain, and then 
add two and a half ounces of alcohol, and half a drachm of 
oil of lavender. Also, gum tragacanth, half an ounce, added 
to four ounces of water, serves a similar purpose. 

Gray hair cannot be restored after it has completely grayed. 
Bicarbonate of soda, a small quantity, added to water used 
on the hair, will render it of lighter shade. 

A HAIR TONIC, OR SEA FOAM. 

Alcohol, one pint; glycerine, one ounce; tincture of can- 
tharides, two drachms; and aqua ammonia, one ounce. Mix. 
Pour a little in the hand, and rub over the head till the foam 
subsides. It removes dandruff and is somewhat healing to 
scalp sores. 

Four ounces of rainwater ; two ounces of castile soap ; 
eight ounces of proof spirits and a drachm of carbonate of 
ammonia, makes a shampoo, much liked by some people. 

Vaseline applied to the scalp once a week promotes the 
growth of the hair. It also promotes the growth of the eye- 
brows. 

For darkening the eyebrows and lashes, India ink diluted, 
is used by some people who indulge in " making up." 

A HAIR TONIC. 

The best of whiskey, a pint; rock salt, as much as it wall 
dissolve ; half an ounce of glycerine, and two tablespoonfuls of 
sulphur. Mix. This is said to accelerate the growth of the 
hair. 



580 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

CARE OF THE HANDS. 
The first essential to possess a beautiful hand is to own 
one, then, to preserve it unblemished, get some one else to 
perform the work. However, there are quite pretty hands 
that serve faithfully in performing the necessary services for 
temporal comforts. 

The kind of soap and water used for cleansing the hands, has 
much to do with keeping the hands roughened. Castile soap 
and cistern water or rain water, used for cleansing the hands, 
keeps them soft and smooth, even when performing labor cal- 
culated to roughen them. A little glycerine added to the rins- 
ing water when washing, greatly aids in preserving them; a 
small portion poured in the hand after rinsing them and while 
yet wet, and rubbing it over the hands, is a convenient way 
of applying it in the rinsing. 

If the hands are much roughened, wash them in the above 
way, sleep with them immersed in oat meal, corn meal, or wheat 
bran, moistened with warm water, and confined in place by 
means of mittens. 

A TYPE OF SORE HANDS. 

A type of sore hands is found among dry goods clerks, 
which is chiefly due to the continual handling of dry fabrics, 
and perhaps partly to a slight poisoning from various dyed 
goods. It can usually be cured by using corn meal for cleans- 
ing, instead of soap, and adding a little glycerine to the rins- 
ing water as above directed. In cases more obstinate to get 
well, cleanse as above, and apply the following: Take pure 
hog's lard, a third of a teacupful; camphor gum, one-fourth 
of an ounce ; crumble the camphor gum into the lard, and mix 
by mild heat. Then remove it from the fire, and when quite 
nearing cool, add one teaspoonful of tincture of benzoin, and 
thoroughly mix. Apply a portion evenings. 



CARE OF THE HANDS. 581 

Frequently corn meal used in place of soap, alone, cures 
these cases. The glycerine in the rinsing, tends to preserve the 
skin. 

Elder flower water is admired by some for washing or 
rinsing the face and hands, and it is said to whiten them. It 
may be made at home if one chooses. Take the elder flowers, 
break out the rougher stems, fill a vessel with them — a granite 
cup will do, then cover with boiling water, and let it just 
reach the boiling point, remove from the fire, strain it, let 
cool till near cold, then add a pint of wine to the tea, bottle 
it, and it is ready for use. 

TO TRIM THE FINGER NAILS. 

The finger nails may be more easily trimmed if the finger 
ends are soaked in hot water a few minutes, after which they 
may be polished. 

TINTING THE FINGER NAILS. 

Emery dust, tinted with vermilion or carmine, is used by 
some to give a roseate hue to the finger nails. 

The habit of biting the finger nails, besides being repulsive, 
deforms the finger ends. 

Hands that perform labor will exhibit the blemishes pro- 
duced thereby. 

FOR WHITENING AND SOFTENING THE HANDS. 

Wash the hands with castile soap, oat meal or corn meal, 
and rain water, then rub them well with glycerine while they 
are yet wet. This will whiten and soften very hard hands if 
repeated for eight or ten days. 

FOR REMOVING FRUIT STAINS FROM THE HANDS. 

Ripe tomatoes (not the tin canned) rubbed well over the 
hands removes apple, pear, peach and apricot stains. 



582 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The hands held in the fumes of burning matches will also 
remove the above stains. 

There are many stains that Lloyd's Asepsin soap will re- 
move* 

Lemon juice -will remove many fruit stains. It will remove 
grape stains from the hands, from the lips, the teeth and tongue. 

Borax, added to the water used for washing the hands, 
will also remove grape stains and some other stains. 

Essence of peppermint will also remove many stains. 

THE CARE OF THE FEET. 

It is as important to the general welfare of the health that 
the feet have proper care, as any other part of the body. There 
is much excretion passes from the body through the surfaces of 
the feet, and from the encased condition the feet are kept in, 
this excretion is much confined in contact with the feet, thus 
favoring re-absorption of these morbid, or effete matters, if the 
feet are not kept clean by proper washings, and change of 
dressings. The feet should be kept perfectly clean, and, the 
nails well trimmed, and the greatest care should be exercised 
that the shoe or boot fits perfectly. 

The necessity to which the human family are driven of hav- 
ing to change the natural contour of the foot to conform to 
the fashion crazes, is entirely obliterating any approach to a 
comely foot; the endeavoring to conform the shape of the foot 
to these deformed shoes deforms the feet, causes bunions, corns, 
and a miserable degree of comfort. In fact these feet torturers 
are converting the human family into wahhling-walkers so 
rapidly that it is already very difficult to find a person of 
graceful bodily carriage, or elastic step. Everybody must walk 
as if they had just stepped from hot stove lids, and had not 
had time to take the fire out of the burns. 



CARE OF THE FEET. 583 

INGROWING TOE NAILS. 

Ingrowing toe nails must be trimmed and kept trimmed, 
and the pressure removed and kept removed. After they have 
been well soaked in hot water, and the nails well trimmed, fre- 
quently nothing more is necessary than applying a little vase- 
line, or a bit of new unwashed cotton. A little essence of pep- 
permint added to the vaseline, and applied to the affected parts 
removes soreness. 

In trimming the nails, trim them straight across the top 
end only, leaving the corners uncut. Keep them trimmed in 
this way and the corners will withdraw from where they have 
been buried in the flesh, and the parts get well, and if they are 
continually kept so trimmed, they will not incline to ingrow 
again. Try the above plan and you will be delighted with the 
cure. The pressure must be kept removed from them. 

If the soreness has extended to ulceration, in addition to 
trimming the nails as above directed, wash them well, using 
hot water and castile soap, then apply the soothing ointment 
directed in the treatment of carbuncle, in this book. Resinol 
makes a good application to some of these sores. It can be 
purchased at any drug store. 

CORNS. 

To prevent corns, wear well fitting shoes. To cure them, 
soak well the feet in hot water and soap to soften them, dry 
them and apply the One Night Corn Cure. It is as good as 
any remedy, for application, and can be found at any drug 
store. 

Apply at night, equal parts of castor oil and essence of 
peppermint on a bit of new cotton. This application removes 
the soreness in the parts, favors the circulation, and the corn 
disappears. 



584 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

MOIST FEET. 

Those persons who are troubled with moist feet should 
wear cork insoles covered with silk or woolen fabric, which if 
a little capsicum be sprinkled on them, improves the condition. 

Warming, or roasting the feet before the fire before retiring 
to bed at night, greatly improves their condition, and in 
breaking up the habit of cold, and the habit of damp feet. 

TIRED AND BRUISED FEET. 

Sore or bruised feet from long standing, or prolonged walk- 
ing, are relieved and the soreness removed by bathing them 
with the tincture of arnica or essense of peppermint. 

STINKING FEET. 

This annoyance — this intolerable odor about the sweat of 
the feet — is simply due to retained excretions; a similar odor 
would manifest all over the body of such subjects, were their 
body encased in leather as the feet, thus confining the odor; 
over the body the odors pass off, but the shoes confine it 
about the feet. 

The odors about the feet indicate the nature of the retained 
excretions, feces and worn out and decomposing materials that 
should have been eliminated and excreted by the way of their 
natural outlets — the kidneys and bowels, but not having ob- 
tained it by that way, have sought and obtained elimination 
and excretion by way of the sweat channels in the feet. 

The kidneys and bowels, and the sweat channels, are the 
sewer outlets of the economy of the body — the kidneys and 
bowels for the grosser part of the work, and to the deficiency 
of this grosser work not having been done by the proper 
agents, the kidneys and bowels, is due the stink of the feet. 



CARE OF THE FEET. 585 

To remove and to prevent return of this undesirable per- 
fume companion, arouse the excretory functions of the kidneys 
and bowels by rousing the biliary action of the liver, and keep 
such function sufficiently active to keep these organs attending 
to their natural functions. 

For cleansing the system and establishing the excretory 
functions of the kidneys and bowels, any of the preparations 
directed in this book that contain podophyllin, cascara and 
glycerine, or yellow dock and podophyllin, will effect the result 
most excellently, and with having to take the fewest doses of 
any medicine you will find. 

For modifying the unpleasant condition and dispersing it 
as well as can be done, till the condition has time to be 
righted by the above means, the following gives the best 
results: 

Pulverized camphor gum, a little sprinkled in the stockings 
once, twice, or three times a week, gives the satisfactory re- 
sult. The feet must be washed and their dressings changed. 
And, add half a teaspoonful of chlorate of potassa, to half a 
glass of water, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture three 
or four times a day, for a few days. 

SORES ON CHILDREN'S FEET. 

A form of sores manifests, occasionally, on children's feet 
from exposures to the very early dew, and probably from 
poisons from various weeds, and is augmented by neglect to 
bathe or clean them. A thick scab formation appears, and 
sometimes extends to deep fissures, when not properly cared 
for. 

Thoroughly cleanse the feet with hot -water and castile 
soap, and to the sores apply sufficient of the ointment directed 



586 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

in the treatment of carbuncle, in this book, cover with fine 
unwashed cotton, and confine in place by means of a piece of 
muslin, or other fabric. Also, the following serves in curing 
many of these cases: Take tincture of benzoin, two drachms ; 
water, three ounces. Mix, and apply after the feet have been 
cleansed as above. 



PART SIXTH. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 



There are symptoms in disease even from the first onset, by 
which a favorable or unfavorable change may be determined, 
generally ; there being a few exceptions. Everyone should learn 
to understand these symptoms as well as possible, as a proper 
treatment may be determined thereby, and prompt attention 
to them is frequently the means of saving life. 

Everyone should, at least to some extent, fit themselves to 
be able to render some relief in cases of distress from sickness 
and suffering, as it is the lot of everyone, some time during life 
to undergo sickness and suffering in some degree, as well as to 
witness the sufferings of some other individual, perhaps it may 
be those who by the ties of nature are entitled to tender and 
loving care, and others, who from good will and benevolence, 
deserve alleviation from sufferings. 

Before maturity and in declining years the body is more 
susceptible to harmful effects from exposures, and the influence 
of various other injurious effects, is less able to resist them than 
in middle life. 

The conflict with death begins with life, a constant battle 
to the hill-top or prime of life, when the "human form divine" 
in full maturity, erect, in bloom of health, intellectual fire flask- 



588 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ing from its windows of vision, suggests that life had tri- 
umphed over death. 'Tis only an apparent halt, seemingly for 
death to gain new energies. The contest has been close, death 
destroying, life renewing with a seeming gain in store, but its 
forces now must lose, and it will never gain any more; life's 
forces show visible weakening and death is gaining ground — 
that hesitating, tottering step, that paling countenance, that 
lusterless eye, tells too truly that death ere long from the ram- 
parts will triumphantly wave its black emblem of victory, and 
though victorious in dethroning the spirit from its temple, yet 
unsatiated, death lingers and preys upon that beautiful struc- 
ture till the declaration is fulfilled — "Dust thou art, and unto 
dust shalt thou return." 

Death presents many and varied features in its appearing, 
varying to some extent according to the cause hastening its 
arrival, or even when manifesting as a result of the limitation 
of life, the time to die ; and it is that something which medi- 
cine never cured, nor never can cure. Sometimes its appearance 
is so masked that the closest scrutiny does not read its ap- 
proaching, the grosser aspects being so refined in the prepara- 
tion of its victims, the struggle between soul and body so 
gradual, solemn and quiet, that the spirit becomes light and 
hopeful and its load lightens, as the mortal part wastes and 
withers away, grain by grain, each day by day, hopeful of a 
longer earthly stay. Sometimes death and life become so 
blended that death takes the glow and hue of life, and life the 
grizzly and gaunt form of death. Sometimes it progresses in 
rapid strides, and sometimes its pace is sluggish; sometimes 
its passage is boisterous as the stormy sea and wrecking as the 
forceful hurricane, leaving its victims with most hideous 
aspect, while a few of its victims look as if resting in a quiet, 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 589 

peaceful slumber, as if the passage caused no struggle or con- 
quest. 

The " flaming flush" upon the cheeks, or either cheek, and 
which sometimes assumes the " purplish-flaming flush," which 
manifests in the supposed diseases of the lungs, is indicative of 
great severity of the disease, generally of death. 

Any serious disease manifesting during the early stages of 
the transition from girlhood to womanhood, and from boy- 
hood to manhood, especially assumes a more dangerous de- 
gree and frequently ends fatally. Typhoid fever, cerebro spinal 
menengitis, scarlet fever, measles and small pox appearing at 
this time is usually of a severer type and more difficult to con- 
trol. Scarlet fever appearing in the early stages of this transi- 
tion is sometimes followed by paralysis from the hips down, 
especially in boys from fifteen to eighteen, and from which 
recovery is rare. 

Bleedings from the lungs, stomach, nose, kidneys, or bow- 
els are always dangerous symptoms, and should receive prompt 
attention. 

Typhoid fever accompanied with insensibility to pain from 
the first of its onset, loss of hearing, loss of eye sight, delirium 
mutterings are indicative of fatal termination. Restlessness, 
heavy-wearied sensations, listlessness, indicate very great sever- 
ity of the disease of any type. 

Inability to sleep accompanying any manifestation of dis- 
ease is a serious symptom. 

The " striking-in " of eruptions before they have "run their 
course" is a serious symptom. 

Involuntary discharges of either urine or stools, no matter 
of what character, indicates great relaxation and feebleness. 
Frequently fatality follows. 



590 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The corpse-color and expressionless appearance of the sur- 
face of the body, is always indicative of early fatal termin- 
ation; in cases that have dropped dead suddenly, these are 
manifesting symptoms, usually for sometime previous, though 
the subject may have been going about usual duties. 

A presentiment of death never absenting from the patient's 
mind, may be looked upon with alarm. 

When a mother cannot incline to hope for recovery — seem- 
ing to feel a premonition of fatal termination, it has been con- 
ceded by many as certain evidence of dissolution, whether for 
personal self or a member of the family. I am not a firm 
believer in premonitions, in the usually accepted sense, yet I 
can hardly entirely discredit them ; but I would prefer attrib- 
uting these conclusions — called premonitions, to a keen obser- 
vation and good judgment of indications rather than to a pre- 
monition. 

Fainting is an alarming symptom associated with any 
ailment. Increasing emaciation is a serious symptom. 

Dropsy, general or local, indicates great feebleness of health, 
and should be viewed with alarm. 

Excoriations, or bed-sores appear when vitality is extremely 
feeble, and are usually followed by death shortly after their 
manifesting. 

Convulsions are especially dangerous when prolonged, or 
when they follow each other in rapid succession, leaving no 
time or opportunity for recovery from shock or to administer 
aid to recovery. 

Hiccough, when appearing in advanced stages of sicknesses, 
and sicknesses of the aged, may be viewed with alarm, and 
especially when it cannot be readily overcome. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 591 

Sighing, when deep and frequent, manifesting in advanced 
stages of sickness, is an unfavorable symptom. 

Long continued coma appearing in any form of sickness, is 
an alarming feature. 

The fixed and glassy eye, the wild and vacant look, the 
ceased pulsation, the pinched or distorted countenance, the 
rattle as if mucous is in the throat, the cold, clammy touch, 
the breathing as if the breath was running out instead of 
being breathed out, are considered associates of death, and cer- 
tainly are. But the keenest observing physician can easily be 
mistaken in symptoms of death for considerable time, and also 
most every one else, from the fact that physicians are not, as 
a rule, present to take special note of all presenting symptoms, 
and the friends are too much excited to note. 

Apparent death sometimes manifests, and may continue 
several days, as has been noted, and recoveries have afterward 
taken place, while there have been some cases that were mis- 
taken for dead, and buried alive, at least such has been said. 
Positive evidence should always sensibly present before burial 
should be permitted. 

When the tongue is thickly coated any color, foul odor to 
the breath, appetite deficient or morbidly voracious, fasting is 
the prime prescription which should be continued until the 
tongue begins to clean off, then foods may be taken moder- 
ately. There is far less danger of starving to death from with- 
holding food a few days than people suppose. Dr. Tanner 
fasted forty days and forty nights and then lived on. A plain 
drink of water, occasionally very hot, occasionally cool, a 
mucilaginous drink, a drink made from very brown toast and 
water to which a very small quantity of pure sweet cream 
may be added, and not taken in large quantities nor too fre- 
quently, favors a speedy recovery; while keeping the stomach 



592 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

crammed with the multiplicity of objectionables and offensibles 
so commonly ushered into the presence of the patient, 
and which attendants think must be partaken of lest some- 
body is insulted, prevents any sensible action of the medicine, 
and in addition is of no good to the patient. 

Our body is very like our dwellings in some respects, prom- 
inently in the matter of keeping clean, each alike, constantly 
require cleaning, both inside and outside. So frequent and per- 
petual is this dirtiness of the body, that there are very few 
cases calling for treatment but that the first and prime thing 
absolutely necessary is to begin cleansing the body — inside 
more certainly than the outside, though frequently both. 

For the cleansing of the body outside, soap and water are 
the best of all cleansers and the best of all antiseptics. But 
the inside can not be thus cleansed. This inside cleansing must 
be done by cleansing out the sewers which are usually loaded 
to obstruction, and excretion is the way to remedy this diffi- 
culty, hence the sewers must be opened to rid the system of 
effete matters which have stagnated the activity of the func- 
tions, and by being long retained, reabsorbed into the blood, 
poisoning it, thus serving to produce a very great number of 
all ailments affecting the human body. The best way known 
for this inside cleansing is by the bowels and urinary canal 
being first cleansed, and for this purpose the remedy that will 
do this the most thoroughly and quickly, without reducing 
perceptibly the already failing strength, is the remedy to ad- 
minister. See remedies directed in this book. 

In all cases of disease, of whatever type, there is deficient 
and irregular circulation of the blood, congestion of some of 
the internal organs or centers, and insufficient action of the 
nutritive, secretive and excretive functions. A hot water bath 
properly administered quickens and equalizes the circulation, 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 593 

diverting the blood from the internal congested parts to the 
surface and extremities, allays irritability, thus removing much 
obstructions and placing the system in the best possible condi- 
tion to rally its powers and regenerate its physical structure. 

Regulating the voluntary habits, exercise, air, and 
thoroughly cleansing inside and outside, afford proper hygienic 
conditions for the vital forces to remove the results of diseased 
01 morbid action. 

Dreaming indicates some derangement of the digestive func- 
tion. The too heavy eating just before retiring to sleep, and 
indulging in intoxicants causes dreaming. It may result from 
over fatigue, and from continuing the mind too long on one 
subject or object. Usually a perfectly healthy person does not 
dream. Somnambulism and nightmare result from about the 
same causes as dreams. Nightmare most frequently occurs 
while the subject is lying on the back. Persons addicted to 
these afflictions should improve their digestion and health gen- 
erally, avoid over-eating and avoid eating late suppers, quit 
the use of intoxicants, and take reasonable recreation. 

Where there is excessive tissue involved, as in carbuncles, 
and where there is great feebleness of all the parts and func- 
tions, as in typhoid fever, or other greatly debilitating condi- 
tions, death of structure is extensive, and the vital energies far 
below normal, there is great danger of the retrograde tendency 
so far exceeding the recuperative energies, that death must en- 
sue. In such cases it is a great struggle between life and death, 
in which condition the vital energies becoming greatly ex- 
hausted, tired or discouraged, as it were, will not or cannot 
rally their recuperative forces. 

25- 



594 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

There are cases in which success may be had in correcting 
every morbid condition seemingly, in restoring to proper 
actions all the functions of the organs of the body apparently, 
and yet the patient dies. This is seen in typhoid fevers quite 
often. It is due to the patient not having sufficient vital force 
to carry on the vital processes; these forces may be propped, 
and propped, and thus prolong life for a time, but at 
last the vital forces are spent. 

In caring for the sick every effort must be made to sustain 
these forces, and the first prime factor is rest; every action of 
the muscles and mind uses some of these forces and exhausts. 
Absolute quiet permits the patient to use all its powers to re- 
sist the processes of disease. 

Keep an equable temperature around the patient. Sudden 
changes shock and consume vital force which will require some 
time to regain. It is a great error to keep the sick's room so 
cold that the patient must exhaust the little w r armth it has in 
•warming chill air. 

During sleep the circulation is less active than during wak- 
ing hours, the temperature of the body is lowered and the 
heart beats are less frequent, all of the activities of the vital 
processes sharing in the repose — rest given by sleep. A certain 
degree of heat is absolutely necessary for the continuance of the 
vital processes ; it is far more congenial to preserve this degree 
of heat by keeping the atmosphere of the room at a tempera- 
ture to preserve it than it is to have heavy and impermeable 
coverings placed over the body, thus keeping it warm entirely 
at its own expense, which with the lowered temperature of the 
atmosphere from the absence of its heat-producing factor, the 
sun, the expense to the body is exceedingly great, is exhaust- 
ing. Hence the writer advises a fire in the sleeping room (the 
sick's room) regulated to produce and preserve the degree of 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 595 

heat necessary for continuance of vital processes to go on. In 
addition to producing and preserving heat, the fire purifies the 
atmosphere of the room by burning up much of the effluvia 
given off from the body. For the same reason the writer ad- 
vises to keep the sick in a room with a fire in it when the tem- 
perature of the atmosphere is sufficiently cold to require artifi- 
cial heat. This, in addition to keeping the patient in best con- 
dition for recuperation during sleep, gives a temperature of at- 
mosphere which is not destroying the patient by shocks from 
chill in attempting to perform the various duties necessary in 
caring for the patient, as baths, changing clothing, getting out 
of bed when necessary, which must be experienced in a room 
full of cold atmosphere. 

Cold is death, warmth is life. Cold restrains the vital ac- 
tivities of the economy of the body. Cold water -when first 
applied causes contraction of the capillaries by diminishing their 
circulation, hence a lowering of temperature results. Reaction 
may take place with a slight degree of benefit, provided the 
vital energies are not too near exhausted, which should they 
be, and which they too frequently are, as we expect to so find 
them more or less in all diseased conditions, there is no reac- 
tion, but instead greater depression and the patient must suc- 
cumb, or at least is made worse instead of better. 

Heat is an absolute necessity to promote the functional ac- 
tivities for growth, repair and development in the human body ; 
deprived of heat, or lessened, in that relative proportion the 
activities decrease or are checked. Hot water properly applied 
does not raise the temperature above normal, but on the con- 
trary it favors its return to normal, relieving congestion, favor- 
ing elimination of abnormalities, and promotes sedation, it 
quiets irritation, it gives rest. In hot water applications the 
system absorbs a portion of water at a temperature in har- 



596 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

mony with itself, thus furnishing that fluidity necessary with- 
out expense of energies to the powers of the system. 

That thirst in patients that cold water augments instead 
of satisfying, hot water allays, meets the needs of the system, 
and should in all such cases be given, but not entirely to the 
exclusion of cold water, however. The patient must be allowed 
sups of cold water, but under those great cravings for cold 
water which every cold sup that is taken seems to augment, 
the hot water should be given in frequent sups. A cup of hot 
water given in cases of obstinate vomiting has very frequently 
given relief when other remedies have failed. 

In urinary troubles and bowel troubles of any age, the hot 
water sitz-bath and foot bath, is of prime importance. It 
gives a benefit which cannot be obtained from medicine. 
It may be given once a day to every second or third day. 

In any and all forms of sore throat, inflamed tonsils, 
inflamed uvula, and croup and diphtheria, hot water as 
hot as can possibly be borne, reduces inflammation and swell- 
ing more kindly than any other remedy in materia medica, and 
its sedative effect in these cases permeates every fiber of the 
being. It may be used in all of these conditions by supping it, 
by applications, by injections per rectum, and sitz-baths. 

A teacupful, or half a cupful, drunk half an hour before 
eating, if you can do so, places the stomach in a more favor- 
able condition for digesting foods — by relieving irritations and 
stimulating normal gastric secretions. 

Hot water supped and drunk in hay fever and asthma, re- 
lieves and disperses irritation, and that "smothering choking" 
sensation, better and safer than any other known remedy. 

In all cases where I have spoken of hot water, I mean 
hot as can be borne, and in all local applications, it must be 
kept in the same condition while being used, as in baths or 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 597 

otherwise. And, in all cases of any local application of hot 
water, the greatest care must be observed not to expose the 
body or parts to cool or cold air in administering them, or 
removing the subject or part from the bath or application. 
The air in the room should be made sufficiently warm to pre- 
vent a suggestion of chilling. 

Hot water applied to the part affected is recommended to 
relieve poison from poison ivy, also, from poison from sumac. 
It is cheap, and can do no harm to try it. A great many 
people go to a doctor to get done for them what they are too 
lazy to do themselves, and then expect the doctor to wait till 
the judgment day for his pay, when all debts are canceled. 

In consumption the repairative function is not well per- 
formed, the primary cells fail to perfectly organize, revert into 
degeneracy and hence become effete material; the other parts 
not being renewed pass into degeneracy by limitation — having 
served their purpose, hence, waste is abnormal and excessive. 
This condition manifests in any and all parts of the body in 
these cases, no one part of the body suffering from this condi- 
tion any more than any other part — every part of the body 
losing just as much as the lungs. 

The recumbent position is more favorable to obtain rest 
than any other, not only for the sick but those who are in 
good health, as it favors the entire body partaking in the 
rest. It is estimated that the pulse of a healthy adult man, 
while standing, beats about seventy -four times per minute; 
while sitting, about seventy ; and when he lies down, only 
about sixty -four; thus the heart partakes in the rest with the 
remainder of the body. 

There can be no one position for the body to take during 
sleep that is better than any other position and adapted suit- 
ably to all, but the recumbent position. When the body is 



598 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

placed in the recumbent position, if permitted to do so, it will 
take the position best suited to give its needed rest, no rules 
being needed to guide it; the position it will take being that 
which will give the best rest to the parts having been in great- 
est activity during the day. 

Fat people are eaters, and lymphatic people are drinkers. 
In the fat people assimilation is augmented, and destruction 
of tissues is to some extent diminished, and elimination 
and excretion are deficient. In lymphatics the excess of 
water taken into the system filling in the spaces between the 
inter-cellular tissue by leakage, as in dropsy, should have been 
excreted through the kidneys and sweat channels. Fat people 
keep warm much more easily than lean people or lymphatic 
people. Lymphatic people are easily frozen. Fat people are 
sluggish, but when roused they are very repulsive. Leanness is 
preferable to either fat or lymphatic conditions of the body. 
Both the lymphatic and fat conditions represent a lower grade 
of vitality than the lean. Lean people are generally quick and 
agile, and are active thinkers; they are the real active work- 
ers, mental or manual, thus using the surplus materials, hence 
no surplus accumulates. "A lean horse for a long race." In- 
dolence predisposes to corpulence, and its subjects are usually 
sluggish and morose. However, there may be places in life 
adapted to each, perhaps especially. 

The influence of the air as a disease producing factor, has 
hypnotized many. It is one of those monstrosities, however, 
that has not been dissected, surgically operated upon, vacci- 
nated for prevention of small pox, nor treated with rotten 
horse serum to cure its diphtheria. Those who have become 
tangled in the meshes of its mysteries, though looking very 
wise and possessing an exceedingly high-powered reasoning 
ability, conclude "it is so because it is so." 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 599 

Exercise in the open air is one of nature's best methods of 
getting rid of the deleterious waste products of the body. It 
is a grave mistake to think that people can sit or loaf around 
idle with no wholesome occupation to employ the passing time 
and keep well, or keep good health. Wholesome occupation is 
an absolute necessity, and though this is true at all times of 
life at no time in life is this more truly the case than in ad- 
vancing and advanced age. Continued throughout life it is an 
assurance of vigorous old age. Continue to keep the brain 
active. Rest means rust. Interesting occupation retains an 
equilibrium of the mental faculties in all periods of life, and 
very especially in age. 

There are remedies, and remedies; they so far outnumber 
the different manifestations of disease that each manifestation 
has awaiting for its birth, hundreds and hundreds of remedies 
to do it honor. The pharmaceutical productive faculties beat 
the road sparrows. Many of these pharmaceutical make-ups 
might be very excellent if a good medicine was added, and one 
that could overcome the bad that constitutes many of them. 
The "new disease" inventor hustles, but pharmacists are a lit- 
tle ahead. 

It was noted in the "black death" that ravaged Asia and 
Europe in the fourteenth century, that it was fatal to Chris- 
tians, but that the Mohamedans, whose creed inculcated clean- 
liness and prohibited pork and strong drinks, were spared. It 
has also been stated that in the scourge of yellow fever that 
camps in the sunny South, that catholics, sanitarist, sisters of 
charity, vegetarians and tramps, enjoy a remarkable immunity 
from it, while the stuffed brewer, the corpulent landlord and 
the fat butcher boys went down like grass before a scythe. 

Diphtheria is almost exclusively a disease of childhood, ap- 
pearing in children of from two to twelve years old. It appears 



600 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

chiefly among the lymphatic temperaments the vitality of whom 
offers but little resistence to disease. It appears more fre- 
quently among girls than among boys. This is due to the 
girls being confined more indoors than boys and take less ex- 
ercise to rid the system of its detritus. To this exercise in out 
door air is due the comparative immunity of the boot-blacks, 
the news-boys, and the street children; the comparative im- 
munity of these children from its attacks is due to the muscu- 
lar exercise in their knocking, jostling and scampering about, 
working off, eliminating, or burning up the debris of their 
bodily economy, and it is not retained as a disease-producing 
factor, a blood-poison. Diphtheria is due to filth and sewer gas 
within the body, and not to that under the ground and out- 
side of the body. 

Watch your own body and learn to keep well. Watch your 
growing children, and as soon as they can talk teach them to 
help do the watching of their own body. Think of your body 
as being made of perishable materials, that it is constantly dy- 
ing and must constantly be renewed. You can behold in a ma- 
chine that every fibre of its material substance perishes by lim- 
itation of its power of endurance ; that the running or action 
of the machine, by wear, shortens the natural limitation, and 
that by undue pressure or friction, parts are wearing away, 
unevenly as compared to the whole machine ; added to this the 
various other causes, as undue exposures to the inclemencies, 
the destructive influences of the elements and the improper 
handlings all combine to shorten the natural limitation of its 
power of endurance, and also to lend a disturbed condition to 
the time it is permitted to exist as a machine. For a while a 
new piece may replace one that has so far lost its power of 
endurance that it no longer serves the purpose of a part neces- 
sary to a complete machine. But repairs are not so performed 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 601 

in the human economy. Its worn-out substances must be re- 
moved through special outlets — the bowels, kidneys, sweat chan- 
nels that open out on the skin, and by the lungs ; and the re- 
pair material is supplied in food, properly digested and carried 
to every part in need of repair by the circulation. The scaven- 
ger work (removal of useless materials) is just as essential as 
the repair supply, and every one can accustom themselves to 
see that the scavenger work is done daily. 

The pulse in health is supposed to beat about seventy-five 
times per minute in adults, and in infants more than a hundred 
times per minute, in old age less than seventy-five times per 
minute. But this varies considerably in different individuals of 
the same age and, too, when health in either case is normal. 

The quantity of blood in different individuals varies, the 
size and habits of the person modifying the quantity, also the 
quality. It is estimated that an adult of medium size has from 
twenty-five to thirty-five pounds. 

CARE OF THE SICK. 

One of the first things to bear in mind in regard to the 
care of the sick and the cure of the ailments is that it takes 
time to cure disease and repair injuries of any kind, time, de- 
termination, patience, watchfulness, care and much attention 
to eating and habits. 

The human family is endowed by its Creator to be capable 
of living and maintaining health in all climates of the globe, 
by proper habits and proper use of its powers. 

In addition to time, patience and care, if you want to 
get well or your sick to get well prohibit the administration 
of opium and all narcotics, whiskey and wines. Under the 
influence of the above agents morbid conditions increase 
in severity, the morbid conditions existing becoming masked 



602 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

instead of ameliorated. Stimulation is not strength, neither 
is it nutrition, but under stimulation exhaustion is much 
more rapid — the forces of the economy are more greatly 
drawn upon, and not being replenished or nourished are left 
the worse. 

Some of the sick would get well in spite of anything and 
everything, but bad cases must have good care. Good condi- 
tions to the patient, giving every chance to get well are far 
more than half the necessity — are absolutely nesessary to a 
cure. Therefore, a first urgent step is to place the patient in 
circumstances or situations most favorable to a cure. Each 
case presents the requirements necessary to its particular self, 
and the true theraputist will not neglect this duty, will grasp 
the situation and metamorphose surrounding conditions to 
meet such requirement. 

It is as properly the attending physician's duty to direct the 
management of the sick's room, as it is the physician's duty to 
portion out a few drops and powders. The physician should 
be so thoroughly familiar with every detail necessary to the 
perfect care and feeding of the sick, that he or she can ele- 
gantly perform every duty, should it be necessary. Every 
physician should possess a faultless knowledge of what and 
how to do in the care of the sick — under all circumstances 
and environments. Those who cannot do this should be 
barred from attempting to treat the sick, for herein is due the 
credit of at least ninety -two per cent of the cures that result, 
and a physician should not have credit for a cure that he 
never cured. There are exceedingly few physicians who could 
properly direct or nurse a sick person through to recovery, or 
that have any better knowledge or judgment of properly feed- 
ing the sick than the lay people. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 603 

Think for one moment of a physician ordering a typhoid 
fever patient fed half of a teacupful to a teacupful of food every 
thirty minutes, and alternating three or four different kinds of 
foods. It is needless to ask what became of the patient. 

The captain who manages a ship in a storm is only able 
to do so by being practically acquainted with every rope, spar 
and sail in the vessel, and if necessity demanded and his phys- 
ical strength permitted, he could perform every duty himself, 
and the physician who can not enter the sick's chamber with 
the same degree of knowledge and executive ability should be 
forced to go to some other occupation. 

The medicines administered to the sick play a far less part 
in restoring the afflicted to recovery than is generally supposed. 
Nursing and rest play the leading role, and are of so para- 
mount importance as to demand the highest consideration. If 
a practitioner considers this below his "professional dignity," 
let him enter the ranks of some other vocation not embodying 
duties below his " professional dignity." No physician can ex- 
cuse the neglect of duty on the plea that he is " professionally 
busy." Every physician owes time for duty to every case to 
which he or she is called. The writer knows of no small num- 
ber of practitioners who would be at sea without a compass, 
in the treatment of the sick, were it not for a number of "old 
women" in their territory who are really treating the sick and 
effecting the cures. 

That so many diseases are the result of dirt-£lth is a harp- 
string played on by many physicians, who do not permit a 
case to whom they are called to escape the hearing of his in- 
congruous music, and under fear of being slashed with this 
shillalah, if some of God's soil should meet the physician's eye, 
undue washings and wetting up of surroundings have ushered 
thousands into untimely graves. And these filth-harpists, 



604 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

though clamoring for external cleansings, either do not know 
or from design carefully keep hid the fact that it is the dead 
within the body that is really doing the mischief. 

While it must be admitted that an undue amount of out- 
ward dirt may cause disease, yet God \s pure soil is a neutralizes 
a disinfectant to which none other is equal, and thus to a 
great degree, to a degree not equaled by any other thing 
known, is antiseptic, instead of disease-producing. 

The well fed, well clothed child may wallow in dirt all day 
and will escape the "scourge of sickness" and in addition will 
come out with a well developed body and clear mind, while 
the ill fed, constantly washed child will be caught in the "epi- 
demic storm." 

The external cleanliness is essential to a degree, is pleasing 
to view, and comely to associate with, but the internal clean- 
liness is of far greater importance — so great is this importance 
that it engages both body and mind. A well nourished, well 
clothed body with its sewers kept well cleansed, possesses an 
astonishing power of resistance to offensiveness with which 
many persons must come in contact in the various positions in 
which many are unavoidably placed. 

The air in the sick's room should be rendered pure, not by 
loading it with the various poisons, as carbolic acid, etc., as 
is so frequently done, and which is more dangerous by far than 
the effluvia sought to get rid of, and which is simply attempt- 
ing to cover one filthy stink with a more poisonous stink, the 
two uniting forming a most detestible and highly dangerous 
stuff. By removing offensiveness from the room and passing a 
current of air through the room once or twice a day, or con- 
tinuous if the atmosphere is not too cold or damp, renders the 
condition of the atmosphere in the sick's room not only quite 
agreeable, but surely health promoting. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 605 

An additional cover should be placed over the patient while 
the room is being aired, to prevent undue chilling. For de- 
odorizing and for medicinal effect, see disinfectants elsewhere in 
this book. 

Every room that the sick must occupy, must be prepared 
with conveniences to permit of there being a fire in the room or 
means for artificial heat, when it is needed. No matter what 
season of the year the sick may be confined to the bed or 
room when the damp and cloudy days appear there 
should be some fire in the room, especially evenings and 
mornings, and if the patient must be in and out of the bed, 
there should be fire in the room all night during cold weather. 
The fire should not be sufficient to produce undue heat, but 
sufficient to modify undue moisture and chill. 

It is a grave mistake to attempt to properly care for the 
sick in a cold room. It cannot be done, and it is simply non- 
sense to presume that it can be. In all conditions of disease 
the degree of heat necessary for vital processes to go on is 
wanting. 

The heat, or fever so called, that presents in sickness is due 
to excessive degeneration, and is not the natural heat neces- 
sary for vital processes to go on, and keeping the surrounding 
atmosphere so cold that the body must consume itself supply- 
ing warmth for making the surrounding atmosphere bearable, 
increases degeneracy — is consuming the patient. It will be 
found profitable to observe these precautions. 

ARTICLES OF UTILITY IN CARING FOR THE SICK. 

Every family and every individual is likely to be sick some- 
time, hence, every home should be provided with some utilities 
with which to properly care for the sick and ailing. Ailments 
and sicknesses visit at sometime, every family, and are often 



606 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

very early callers. They make frequent visits in some homes, 
and as sicknesses are great leaks in the financial, intellectual 
and comfortable economy of the family, it is wise to have 
some material for stopping these leaks, for even a small leak 
may sink a great vessel. There are many things as necessary 
to have at hand in caring for the sick, as any articles in the 
household furnishings ; therefore every family should supply 
themselves with utilities with which to care for their sick. 

Every family should have a sitz and a foot bath tub, and 
a vapor bath cabinet; a family syringe should be in every 
home; a bed pan, and from one to three hot water bottles, 
the flannel covered rubber ones being the best adapted for gen- 
eral use. There should be a Lenox atomizer and fumigator 
spray, for dispensing deodorizants in the sick room, and about 
the bed draperies or linens. There should be a folding tray 
for the patient's convenient use when able to partake of foods, 
yet not able to appear at table, a tongue depressor for enabling 
to inspect children's throats, that treatment may be directed to 
any exhibiting disturbance, thus preventing progress of dis- 
ease beyond the hope of recovery or cure. Also a graduate, 
and a drachm measure spoon for measuring medicines, and an 
invalids's cup for administering drinks. 

There are numerous and various other articles of utility 
value in caring for the sick, but the above are those most 
commonly needed in families. 

Blankets form a more desirable bed furnishing than either 
quilts or comforters. Blankets retain a greater degree of 
warmth and much less weight than quilts or comforters, es- 
pecially the latter. They adjust about the sleeper much more 
agreeably than either of the former articles, being more pliable 
and softer which lends much in their favor. Also, they are 
much more easily laundered. They are manufactured in various 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 607 

weights, in both wool and cotton, making them adaptable to 
any season of the year. They can be obtained at various 
prices, so in that respect may suit all purses. 

Mattresses made in the usual way form a most miserable 
article to either sleep or rest on, from the hard nodulated sur- 
face. A thick woolen or cotton mat fitted over the top of the 
mattress lends much improvement, wool being preferable to 
cotton, as it does not pack so hard as cotton, and will lighten 
up in laundering. These mats may be prepared by placing 
wool or cotton between coverings and quilting them in the 
old-fashioned fan design, permitting about three inches space 
between lines. This mode of preparing them prevents the wool 
or cotton from lumping, or pulling apart, better than any 
other method. The covers of the wool or cotton in preparing 
them may be of shaker flannel, cheese cloth, or such fabric as 
may be desired. Proper care exercised in making these mats 
makes them a means of comfort. 

Quilted nursery cloths are exceedingly necessary accessories 
in bed furnishings, especially the furnishings of children's beds 
and beds for the sick, and yet more especially for the bed of 
the parturient woman. For purposes of cleanliness protectors 
must be used to prevent soilings of the bed and other fur- 
nishings, which soilings are likely to happen with the neatest 
disposed children and with the best regulations in caring for 
the sick. 

Quilted nursery cloth may be obtained at any first class 
furnishing house and is found in widths thirty-six and fifty- 
four inches, thus meeting any requirements necessary. That of 
the fifty-four inches serves as a protector for the entire top of 
the mattress, and from the thirty -six inch width may be cut 
protectors of any size desired. This fabric being quilted remains 



608 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

shapely and may be cleansed by washing any number of times 
and yet remain serviceable. 

Protectors that absorb are the only serviceable means of 
neatly preventing a general soiling of the bed furnishings, in 
cases of exposure. While oilcloth may sometimes prevent mois- 
tures from penetrating down through the bed meshes, it does 
what is worse, not being a means to absorb, thus confining 
them, permits them to spread out in any direction and any- 
where. The cost per yard of nursery cloth ranges from forty 
cents to seventy-five cents usually. It may be prepared at 
home an item cheaper, where cheapness is a necessity, and will 
serve the same goodly purpose. 

Cheese cloth for the covering of the wool or cotton, serves 
quite well, and for those requiring greater width, the very 
lightest weight of seamless sheeting for coverings, and which 
will cost less, perhaps, than the cheese cloth, may be used. 
The sheeting can be cut the width necessary from the length 
of the sheeting, and the width of the sheeting will give the 
length necessary, the nine quarter width serving the purpose. 
Sheets that have done service as sheets may be utilized as 
coverings for the wool or cotton in producing these protec- 
tors. Also, there are many other accumulated pieces that 
have done service in their original purposes that if washed 
thoroughly clean will do good time service in this use. Be- 
ing quilted they will remain shapely, though the covering 
material may be quite frail of itself. If they are quilted in 
the fan shape designs, about three inches space between the 
lines, the quilting being done by hand needle, they remain soft 
and more shapely than by any other method. Various sizes of 
protectors are required, especially for the parturient bed and 
infant. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 609 

For protecting the bed of the parturient woman, there are 
necessary three protecting sheets, of size sufficient to entirely 
cover the mattress, fitting well over the sides and ends. They 
may be made as above described. If the handlement of the 
patient is carefully done, these protecting sheets need not be- 
come soiled, and in such case they need not be changed more 
frequently than every third day. 

The additional protectors, which may be removed and re- 
placed so frequently as necessary from soilings, must be one 
yard square. Three pounds of wool or cotton are necessary 
for each of these protectors. This size quilted may be conven- 
iently laundered many times. One half a dozen this size is nec- 
essary. At least one of these may be made of the least expen- 
sive covering, and this one placed next the patient during labor 
and removed with the wastages and all burned together. 

And in addition to the above, half a dozen made three- 
quarters of a yard long, and two-thirds of a yard wide, are 
necessary. Each of these require two pounds of wool or cot- 
ton. In addition to these being placed under the patient as 
needed, one serves for placing the new babe upon when receiv- 
ing its first wash, and this one should be ready placed within 
the shawl within which the babe is wrapped immediately after 
the cord is cut. 

There are necessary three dozen protectors five inches wide 
by sixteen inches long. These are for placing immediately over 
the exit of the discharges in these cases, and confined in place 
by means of the Victoria Protector. This should be found for 
sale at any house furnishing such articles or at a drug store. 
(There is no classified house especially carrying these articles.) 
If the Victoria Protector can not be had, these mats or protec- 
tors must be confined in place by a napkin or some other 
26- 



610 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

means. The patient thus dressed may move or turn in the bed 
without being soiled or scattering soilings, which is certainly 
commendable and cleanly. These protectors or absorbents 
should be burned after having been used, as the task of wash- 
ing such articles should not be required of any one. 

Old newspapers, several thicknesses, placed immediately be- 
neath the mat that is next to the patient, serve a goodly pur- 
pose in absorbing wastes, and are a matter of economy where 
economy is a necessity, and these should be burned also. 

For those who desire, and are financially able to provide 
it, there are maternity outfits found for sale, ready for use. 
These usually have many of the articles of convenience for these 
needs in the collections. They are usually for sale at drug 
stores. 

DEODORIZANTS.— DISINFECTANTS. 

The best and safest disinfectant and deodorizer is cleanli- 
ness. Substances, as far as can be done, that are obnoxious, 
should be removed, rubbishes and wastes burned. Affected 
parts, as wounds, injuries, sores, etc., should be kept clean. 
The sewers of the body should be kept clean, as well as surround- 
ings outside, as the inside filths are the dangerous filths. 

Next to the above the writer places sulphur and turpentine 
as the best disinfectants. 

Sulphur should be burned at least once a week in dwell- 
ings, cellars, offices, church buildings, school rooms, and all 
buildings where there are large numbers of persons congregated 
together and remaining for several hours; especially should 
this be done during the sickly seasons. It would not be much 
amiss to treat at least some parlors with this kind of purifyer. 

One ounce of spirits of turpentine added to one-third of a 
teacupful of sulphur placed in an iron vessel, ignited and per- 
mitted to burn, forms an excellent purifyer for rooms that are 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 611 

occupied by the sick, or as sleeping rooms. This quantity is 
sufficient for a room fifteen by fifteen by nine feet in dimensions. 

Two ounces of spirits of turpentine added to a gallon of 
water and slushed about cesspools and obnoxious places is an 
admirable disinfectant to such places. 

Take half a drachm of nitrite lead, dissolve it in a pint of 
boiling water, then add it to two drachms of common salt 
dissolved in eight or ten quarts of water. This preparation 
permitted to settle, the clear liquid which results, with two 
ounces of spirits of turpentine added, also forms an excellent 
deodorizant. 

A tablespoonful of this liquid added to half a gallon of 
-water used for rinsing utensils in the sick's chamber to which 
offensive odors cling, as bed-pans, etc., disperses the odors. A 
towel wet with the solution and hung in the room also dis- 
perses unpleasant odors. This solution thrown in privy vaults, 
drains, over obnoxious wastes, over decaying or offensive ob- 
jects, or faulty places, smothers and disperses the loud odors. 
This solution was recommended by the eminent professor, John 
M. Scudder, M. D. It is called chloride of lime, without the 
addition of turpentine, this addition being my own. The chlo- 
ride of lime is for sale in any drug store. 

Lime water may also be used for dispersing odors from the 
various uncomely places which emit undesirable odors. 

Much of the unavoidable odors which arise in the sick's 
room may be dispersed by an open window or door. 

Oil of wintergreen, one ounce, added to eight ounces of 
water, is an elegant odor disperser. An ounce of this prepara- 
tion sprayed or sprinkled about the bed dressings, the utensils 
and room once or twice a day, places the atmosphere of the 
sick's room in an agreeable condition, in any and all condi- 
tions of sickness and especially the parturient's room. Shake 



612 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the bottle well which contains the mixture before pouring out 
that you dispose to use. This is certainly a boon to the par- 
turient bed. 

A teaspoonful of borax added to a gallon of water used 
for rinsing all toilet utensils in the sick's room adds an addi- 
tional purity, after they have been well cleansed with water 
and plenty of soap. The water containing borax is also valu- 
able for rinsing the hands after handling the sick and articles 
about them. 

Roasted and ground coffee, one-half a teacupful, and cam- 
phor gum, one-fourth of an ounce, burned together in the 
sick's room, dispels offensive odors and leaves a pleasant and 
refreshing aroma. 

For cleansing offensive sores, cleanse first with castile soap 
and hot water, then rinse with warm water to half a pint of 
which has been added ten drops of each of spirits of camphor 
and turpentine and one-half an ounce of glycerine. This checks 
suppuration and favors healing. Also, water, ten parts, and 
tincture of benzoin, one part, mixed, is a very healing rinsing 
for sores, boils, etc. 

In all cases of sickness, whether from wounds, fever, or 
whether a parturient patient, or the sore throat that is called 
diphtheria, or any sickness of whatever type, when there 
manifests a stinking or corpsy odor, the following should be 
given: Add chlorate of potassa, a teaspoonful to a glassful of 
water. A teaspoonful of the mixture is a dose for an adult, 
and may be given in the above conditions, every four or six 
hours, the first twenty -four hours; then about once a day for 
three or four days, is usually sufficient. Give to children in 
proportion to age. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 613 

FOODS FOR, AND FEEDING THE SICK. 
The proper nourishing and supporting of the patient is the 
perplexing question in the care of the sick, and those who can 
offer nourishment to patients in suitable form, embodying the 
necessary requirements containing the most nutrition in the 
smallest bulk and exhibiting an attractive appearance, thus 
avoiding repulsion, are masters of a fine art. 

Though foods are taken into the stomach in solid form, 
they must become liquified before they can be assimilated. But 
this does not prove the conclusion that liquid foods are more 
acceptable or permissible. In fact, however nutritious a fluid 
may be, by a prolonged use of it, it becomes repulsive to the 
patient and is rejected. 

In sicknesses there are greater or less losses, and we are 
at a great disadvantage as regards the ability of the system 
to assimilate foods, to replace these losses, and this neces- 
sitates a degree of careful experiments in all cases; while ex- 
perience is something of a guide, yet that perfection of dis- 
crimination is never reached that places us where we can claim 
a positiveness for all cases, or for any cases. In all cases of 
enfeeblement, in direct proportion to this feeblement, the saliva, 
the gastric juice, the pancreatic fluid and the bile, are less 
efficient in action, or diminished in amount. 

The stomach is sensitive, due in part to the increased sen- 
sitiveness of the nervous system. Hence, great caution must 
be observed both in the kind and quantity of food given, also, 
in the time of giving it. It is a grave mistake to urge a 
patient to partake of foods when the fevers are at their high- 
est temperature; the system at this time is so engaged in its 
general disturbances as to divert its energies from the function 
of digestion, and foods taken at such periods are harmful 
rather than helpful. The periods of the intermissions of the 



614 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

fever are the best time to exhibit food to the sick for best 
results. If this does not come but once in twenty-four hours, 
that is often enough under the existing conditions to give or 
offer food. 

Foods and medicines should never be mixed, neither must 
they be administered very near together; such is two-fold ob- 
jectionable, all round. First, by the stomach being over-loaded 
with foods prevents a sensibly marked effect from the medi- 
cine, and from the repulsiveness of medicine the attention of 
the energies of the digestive function is diverted, and neither 
effects good results. 

Thousands of fallacies have been and are continually being 
propagated and promulgated under cover of chemical analysis 
regarding foods. The chemist subjects substances to analysis, 
and boldly claims a sufficiency or deficiency of important or 
essential elements, and thus condemns products that have been 
and are continually successfully used as food, and also approves 
of articles which have continually proved unfit for food. Lie- 
big's assertion regarding eggs, while it has been called an 
"error," the writer calls an assertion with a special motive, 
much like the showman wko is trying to convince everybody 
that at his show is the "only place to get the worth of your 
money back;" Leibig's assertion: "Eggs, though nutritious in 
some respects, cannot support life without the addition of 
other food containing phosphorus," proves untrue as can be 
evidenced by the most ordinary observer. Within the shell the 
chick finds every element to not only perfect and bring into ex- 
istence the entire new being of itself, but to continue that being 
for some time after the exit into the world of its completed 
structure. After gathering to itself the materials for bone, 
feathers, and all the tissues belonging to its animal organiza- 
tion, the entire egg is not converted into this use when leaving 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 615 

its shell habitation, the part unconsumed nourishing the chick 
for some time with no other foods. 

A large portion of boasted scientific knowledge is simply 
shallow pretention, and pretty generally embodies a personal 
object of selfish motive. If we permit ourselves to be wholly 
guided by scientific scientists we dare not breathe air nor eat 
one bite of food that an all- wise God has placed in the world 
for nourishing our material structure, consequently all would 
perish — scientifically, perhaps — and soon there would be none 
left to mark our resting place or sing a last sad wail. Scien- 
tific foodation and scientific medication embody but little more 
reliable fact than the "old woman's test" for distinguishing 
good indigo from the bad, which was to put the indigo in 
water and "it was good if it sank or swam, she had forgotten 
which." 

The intelligent guide for distinguishing what should be 
eaten is for every individual to watch his own peculiarities, 
and to discard those articles which produce in his own peculiar 
case unpleasant effects. A person who lives properly in his 
habits and has not vitiated his taste with unnatural stimula- 
tions and vile potions finds almost any foods wholesome. 

Those who have vitiated their taste by vile potions, make 
improper selections of foods, and they may be easily singled 
out by noting their choosing those articles of high stimulation. 

Highly seasoned foods, in addition to their own natural- 
ness being marred and destroyed, produce an artificial appe- 
tite, and foods taken under such conditions are not properly 
digested, and the inevitable consequences are harmful ; for 
when the stimulus which promoted the artificial appetite has 
subsided, the stomach returns to its original torpor, and the 
food decomposes and putrefies, thus becoming a disease pro- 
ducing factor instead of nutrition. 



616 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

No one can diet a patient from a book or the chemical 
composition of food. The likes and dislikes of the patient 
must not be lost sight of. These within reasonable bounds 
especially in quantity, must be responded to. Taste, especially 
when it has not been vitiated, is a pretty correct guide to the 
needs of the system, and the surest one of all we have. A pal- 
atable amount of salt should be added to foods to which it is 
permissible. The tin canned goods, extracts of beef, cod-liver 
oil, and like stuffs are not permissible. The tin canned goods 
are probably poison and you do not want to experiment on 
any one to learn if they are not. The extracts of beef sold in 
the shops, and cod-liver oil, and like stuffs are simply rot — 
under the banner of science it is true, but they are simply rot, 
nevertheless. 

The writer is of the opinion that animal food — animal 
flesh, is more disease producing than vegetables, increasing 
stimulation and tendency to inflammatory, scorbutic and other 
diseases. It is a visible fact that those individuals who par- 
take sparingly of animal flesh food have a better appearance, 
more strength, are more plump and have firmer muscles, clearer 
skin free from disease, are more cheerful and conduct the pur- 
suits of life more evenly and harmoniously than those who in- 
dulge grossly in animal foods, and highly seasoned foods. 

When the body and mind are preserved in an even activity, 
the blood is ventilated and purified, and every fiber of the 
being is brought into the best condition for the proper enjoy- 
ment and use of life. The successful student, or mental worker, 
must indulge in bodily exercise, in muscular exercise and plenty 
of it, to sustain that equilibrium of body and mind necessary 
to ability, to studying and thinking, hence the student, or men- 
tal worker not only requires the highest nutrition but plenty of 
muscular exercise as well. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 617 

During vigorous mental work the engine is consuming, 
burning up, that something in the economy of our body which 
creates the force absolutely necessary to run the mental ma- 
chine, and in proportion to the amount and rapidity of -work 
performed are the demands for the materials, and this burning 
up leaves ashes or detritus, which must be eliminated and ex- 
creted, and muscular exercise favors the economy in doing this. 

The child whose body requires material to promote in- 
crease of size, materials for repairs, and whose mentality is 
also clamoring for that supply of force for its expansion, re- 
quires a higher degree of nutrition than the adult. By this I 
do not mean that the stomach must be kept crammed. The 
stomach requires periods of rest, as surely as all other parts 
of our being, hence plenty of food must not be interpreted to 
mean gluttony. Many foods that are palatable contain but 
little substance of nutrition, much of its composition being ex- 
cess of water or bulky fodder, containing but little of the re- 
quirements of the physical economy. Such food products in 
addition to imposing upon the system extra work to rid itself 
of these superfluities, unduly distend, distort and deform the 
physical body. 

Eggs, breads from wheat flour and corn meal, oatmeal, 
butter, rice, peas, beans, sugar, bananas, honey, olive oil and 
linseed oil, properly prepared fruit jellies and sorghum molasses 
are among those food product's containing smaller quantities 
of surplus material — in fact containing smaller quantities of 
surplus materials than most other foods of every day consump- 
tion, and the greatest quantity of nutrition. 

Modes of preparing food have much about them to mar or 
make palatable, and also to lend an acceptable or repulsive 
appearance. There is a habit indulged in by some cooks of so 
mixing and mingling articles of food that the most expert 



618 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

chemist could not by his strongest tests tell their originals and 
constituents, which, besides robbing foods of their natural fla- 
vor, which in most cases are their attractiveness, makes a repuls- 
ive, unsightly dish. The cook who can prepare an article of 
food and properly bring out the delicacy of its self, and not 
disguise it up, so that there is neither one nor the other nor 
nothing from both, has attained considerable degree of pro- 
ficiency in the art of cooking. 

MILK. 

So much has been said and written on the subject of milk 
as an article of food for the sick and well, that it may seem 
superfluous to attempt to give any new light on the subject, 
but perhaps the facts the writer gives may be a valuable ray 
of light to some one. 

Cows should be fed clean, wholesome food, supplied with 
plenty of clean w r ater, should have a shady nook to retire to 
when they choose in heated weather, and should be cleanly 
housed in winter. They also, should have ample room to ex- 
ercise. They should never be fed slops. 

In the care of milk the animal heat should be removed 
from the milk immediately after it is taken from the udder, 
especially in warm weather. If left for the heat to disperse 
from the milk by the surrounding atmosphere in warm 
w r eather, before the milk is cool, decomposition has begun, and 
it is then unfit for food. To this fault is largely due the dis- 
agreement of milk with infants. 

The animal heat is not injurious to the milk if we use it 
as food immediately from the udder — in fact this is the prime 
condition in which to feed it to the babies, and also for any 
one for that matter. If the animal heat is taken from the 
milk as soon as taken from the udder, and then placed in a 
cool place, it keeps wholesome for considerable time. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 619 

In addition to milk so readily decomposing from the ani- 
mal heat, it readily absorbs undesirables when placed near 
them. This is readily observed by its being placed near coal 
oil, turpentine and onions, and these articles being tasted in 
the milk so exposed. 

If the cows are healthy and kept as above directed and 
animal heat removed from the milk as above directed (or used 
immediately when taken from the udder), mixed milk, or the 
milk from several cows is as likely to agree with children as 
the milk from one cow. The writer has had a fair oppor- 
tunity of pretty thoroughly testing this matter and making 
observations in the care of infants. 

The method of taking milk is another important item. 
When a large quantity is swallowed, as the babe in taking it 
from a nursing bottle, and older persons drinking a large 
quantity as they would water, in a continuous flow, it is in- 
jurious in that it forms one solid curded mass in the stomach 
difficult for the digestive fluids to act upon. To this condition 
is due many of the convulsions in children that nurse the bottle 
or are permitted to drink the milk, the whole quantity form- 
ing a curded mass impossible for the digestive fluids to 
manage. 

Milk should be supped, not drunk. By it being taken in 
sups, it permits of smaller curds, and of each to a degree, be- 
ing treated to the gastric juice, and in quantities it is able to 
manage, or handle. 

To say that every individual can use milk as a food with 
impunity is very misleading. The writer has met many adults 
as well as some infants who could not use it as a diet, even 
in small quantities, without unpleasant results. This was not 
due to the cows from which the milk was obtained being 
unhealthy, or their food, water or surroundings being impure, 



620 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

or the milk being improperly handled or cared for. It was 
simply an evident fact that cow's milk is not suited to every 
power of digestion and assimilation. 

Milk is without doubt highly nutritious — meeting the espe- 
cial needs and demands of the infants for a. few weeks, without 
other foods. But while it is admirably adapted to infants in 
the very early weeks of new life, yet it does not entirely meet 
the requirements of the system much beyond these few weeks. 
It is palatable to most people, is ready without much prepa- 
ration, hence supplies a make-shift on many occasions. But 
however much has been said in evidence of its so thoroughly 
meeting the demands for nutrition, a person may fill the hop- 
per-sack full to the fullness with milk, and there is a summons 
to refill it much sooner than would have been the case had it 
been filled with solid foods, or even had a little solid foods 
been sandwiched with it. Milk is an excellent relish, but its 
services are decidedly infantile, and much improved by the 
addition of solid foods in moderate quantities at least. The 
writer has noted quite a number of bad cases of cholera infan- 
tum where improvement immediately followed feeding baby 
bread and milk with a spoon, thus barring the doctor from 
more visits and further wrestling with science. 

In addition to milk meeting the requirements of the system 
but a few weeks and that during very early infantile life, used 
as a diet alone, it is without doubt very taxing to the digest- 
ive energies, and a long continued use of it in many cases 
seems to break down or destroy these energies. As to who 
can and who can not use milk as a diet, can only be learned 
by testing, trying, and watching results. 

MEATS. 

Beef tea is almost entirely valueless as a nutrient, its chief 
value consisting in its possessing flavor, savory odor and water 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 621 

— the hot water acting as a stimulant and the other qualities 
as a slight appetite-coaxer. 

A preparation that is occasionally tolerated by some pa- 
tients is made by cutting young fresh beef, free from fat, into 
small pieces, placing them in a glass jar, or large mouth bot- 
tle, adding a bit of salt and pepper, closing the jar or vessel 
tightly. It is then placed in a vessel containing cold water, 
placed over the fire and permitted to cook till it becomes pal- 
atable. It is then removed, the juice pressed from the meat, 
and seasoned with salt and pepper (more being added if neces- 
sary) to suit the taste of the patient. 

Beef broiled quickly, not permitting it to burn, the juice 
pressed from it, and the juice suitably seasoned with salt and 
pepper, makes a relishable appetizer to some patients. 

Fresh, young lean beef boiled till very tenderly cooked, then 
grated or very finely chopped, and a small portion of the liquid 
in which it was cooked added, and a little salt and pepper 
also added, pleases the appetite of some of the sick. 

Of the meats, however, the writer prefers the domestic fowls 
and wild game, pork and fish. 

No fried foods of any kind are permissible for the sick. In 
regard to roasting meats, much depends on how it is done. 
The usual way in which meats are roasted, the meat is as 
tough, dry and tasteless as an old saddle skirt, and really un- 
fit for vigorous people to eat, and certainly not fit for the sick. 
A mode that leaves the meat juicy is to place the meat (or 
fowl) intended to be roasted in a vessel containing sufficient 
boiling water, and add salt to taste, close the vessel and per- 
mit the meat to boil till nearing quite done, then turn the 
meat and its liquid (which should be sufficient to prepare a 
gravy dressing) into the roasting pan and brown sufficiently. 



622 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Or, it may first be cooked well done as above and then 
browned quickly in the roasting pan. 

OBSERVATIONS ON VEGETABLES. 
There are many vegetables and fruits more nutritious than 
meats, and decidedly more healthful. The animal meats are 
largely detritus — worn out materials that have already served 
their purpose both as utility and nutrition in an animal econ- 
omy, and cannot be very well made over in the human body, 
so as to be quite suitable for renewing its structure. The 
writer is of the opinion that to eating animal meats is due 
a large per cent, of the serious types of disease that affect 
the human body, and also the vicious dispositions many people 
possess, these being conditions due to blood-poison continually 
kept present, to a degree, in the system of meat eaters. 

Among the vegetables, peas, rice, the various preparations 
from corn, rye, wheat, oats, and beans, supply the greatest 
amount of nutrition to a given quantity. Potatoes and lean 
beef do not contain but about one-fourth of the quantity of 
nutrition of any of the above. 

Peas make a palatable and nutritions food, the albumen 
in them being considered equal in nutritive value to the albu- 
men of eggs ; the albumen in them is not coagulated by heat, 
and is easily digested. They should be thoroughly cooked. 
They may be used in soup, or as desired. 

OBSERVATIONS ON FRUITS. 

Of all the fruits, there is none that equals apples in value 
for keeping an equilibrium of healthy condition throughout 
the economy of the body. 

Apples as a diet are admirably adapted to a range of sev- 
eral essential needs in the economy of the body. The acids of 
the apple are useful for persons whose liver is sluggish, and 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 623 

persons of sedentary habits. It greatly aids in eliminating 
noxious matters from the system which if retained bring erup- 
tions, jaundice and heavy brain. They have an effect, either 
cooked or raw, of neutralizing any excess of chalky matter 
that may be engendered from any cause, thus favoring pliabil- 
ity of body in age, and in addition they have a tendency to 
diminish the acidity of the stomach. Apples are tonic and 
somewhat alterative, also anti-periodic, and are very frequently 
of more benefit in intermittent fever than quinine, and the use 
of them leaves no gastralgia. When baked, stewed or roasted, 
they are an agreeable diet in all cases of fevers. Apples being 
model ately laxative, disperse constipation. 

Grapes are nutritive, alterative and stimulating, and may 
be eaten freely before meals, in cases of debility, scrofula, gout, 
gravel, diseases of the liver, spleen and kidneys, and the well 
may eat them to keep well. Grapes contain the purest unfer- 
mented wine, which stimulates digestion and also nutrition. 

Oranges are nutritious and can frequently be eaten by 
patients when the appetite refuses all other foods. Taken the 
first thing before breakfast it is a most excellent appetite per- 
suader. 

In conditions where the appetite is absent or feeble, the 
stomach unduly sensitive, the juice of fresh oranges, especially 
taken the first thing after awakening in the morning, serves a 
most kindly purpose in inducing the stomach to take food. It 
may be taken at any time, and freely, also by persons of any 
age, even children of four or five months old and over. 

The free use of strawberries as a diet has been recommend- 
ed in calculous disorders, in biliary calculi and urinary calculi, 
also in gout. The juice of the berry is said to dissolve hard 
concretions from the teeth. The strawberry, well matured and 
ripened, is nutritive, and forms a very great palate persuader, 



624 



THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 



especially when immersed in rich sweet cream flavored with 
sugar, and permitted to tarry in the refrigerator to gather a 
suggestion of coolness. 

Blackberries, raspberries and dewberries are more of an 
astringent nature than strawberries, but this is overcome by 
the addition of cream and sugar. They are stimulating and 
nutritious, and when well matured and ripened may be eaten 
freely. 

The banana is supposed to contain all of the nutritive ele- 
ments necessary to sustain life, and that if necessary life will 
sustain on this fruit alone. It is also considered easily digested. 

Peaches, cherries and the numerous other fruits, in addition 
to being palatable are helpful, eaten in reasonable quantities, 
when well matured and well ripened. 

Watermelons, in addition to being nutritious, are a panacea 
for many urinary ailments. Feast on them at least once a 
year. 

Tomatoes freely eaten at meals are an agreeable remedy 
for constipation and derangements of the liver; they induce 
normal condition of the liver, and stimulate the coats of the 
bowels, increasing a healthy peristaltic action, promoting daily 
evacuations unequalled by any physic. The free use of toma- 
toes as a diet is said to speedily cure the distressing sore 
mouth which sometimes annoys nursing mothers. 



DRINKS FOR THE SICK. 

Boiled water, hot as can be supped, is of value in enfeebled 
conditions of the digestive tract. It may be indulged in during 
any form of sickness, and at any time day or night. It will 
not interfere with medicines that are being given. It may be 
given without adding anything else, or a little sweet cream 
may be added. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 625 

To a patient who is irritable, restless, nervous, sleepless, 
hypochondriacal or hysterical, of either sex or any age, es- 
pecially in the above enfeebled conditions, hot water given, 
two or three large sups, every fifteen or thirty minutes, for 
one or two hours, if relief is not obtained before that time, is 
followed by marvelously beneficial results. In irritated condi- 
tions of the stomach associated with feeble digestion and 
cough, it favors digestion and relieves cough. 

It will stop vomiting and wonderfully restore tone to the 
alimentary canal. A cupful of hot water taken the first thing 
before breakfast favors a good beginning of the day ; the same 
amount taken just before retiring at night, insures a good 
night's rest to either sick or well of both sexes. It is an ex- 
cellent application over the shoulders, chest and throat in 
la^ngitis, pharyngitis, catarrh, enlarged tonsils, and in diph- 
theria it is an exceedingly soothing gargle, greatly aids in 
allaying inflammations and reducing swellings. 

Boiling water poured on very brown toast makes a pal- 
atable drink acceptable to many delicate appetites. It has no 
objectionable feature, having neither acidity, sweetness nor 
greasiness, all of which are frequently objectionable. Prepared 
as above it is admissible at any time the patient may desire it. 

Water is of prime importance to the sick, and should not 
be denied at suitable temperature. The patient should not be 
expected to ask for water, but it should be offered. The 
patient may be too young, too delirious, or too ill to ask, and 
should not be neglected on that account. When we must con- 
sider that in an individual weighing one hundred and sixty 
pounds, that usually about two-thirds of that weight consists 
of water, the need of water may be seen. 

27- 



626 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The patient need not be flooded, but water should be given 
in reason. Cool water is always permissible to persons of any 
age, even very young infants requiring it also. If the desire 
for water is uncontrollable to an injurious degree, give frequent 
sups of water as hot as can be supped without burning ; this 
overcomes thirst and is beneficial to the patient throughout 
the body, but especially to the alimentary tract. 

A sponge or woolen cloth wrung from water as hot as can 
be borne, and the surface of the body sponged over with it, is 
a great alleviator of intense thirst, also of nervousness and a 
deal of distress. 

TEA. 

Tea made from any of the good brands of tea used for 
drink at meals, made moderately strong, is a valuable drink 
in any type of sickness. Drank freely while it is hot, it has a 
valuable sedative effect in dispersing the nausea and weakness 
following the action of cathartic remedies. It should be given 
the first thing following this action. 

The healthfulness of tea-drinking is manifest in that it lessens 
bodily wastes and promotes digestion. In tea-drinking there is 
no habit acquired which enslaves and morally degrades the 
participant. An excessive and prolonged indulgence may pro- 
duce a slight nervousness or even an appreciable tremor, but 
this disperses quickly and the tea-drinker is not the worse for 
the affection, neither morally nor physically. 

A generous indulgence of tea-drinking by individuals of slug- 
gish mould is bettered very much mentally by its gentle stimu- 
lating effects. It is a known fact that some of the best liter- 
ary productions have been put in readable form while the 
writer was under the influence of liberal potations of tea. It 
quickens circulation and respiration, a more rapid flow of ideas, 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 627 

a more voluble tongue, and though somnolence may follow its 
use for a few hours, there is no sense of depression or exhaus- 
tion. It is not attended with a desire to drink more, as is the 
case with alcoholic drinks, or beverages. 

In addition to the tea used as a daily drink, pennyroyal 
tea, catnip tea, mint tea made from spearmint, peppermint or 
horsemint, also elder flower tea, are exceedingly beneficial in 
all cases of fevers, colds, sore throat and lung affections. And 
if you have colic, wood-soot tea is just as good now as when 
the "old women" swept soot from the chimneys thirty -five 
and forty -five years ago. In fact it seems to have improved 
with age, notwithstanding the "old women" were constantly 
hoodooed for using it those days for "baby's bellyache," and 
for awhile it remained up the chimney, but science turned her 
crank, and forth comes the wood-soot and in its new dignity 
it forms an elegant powder for relieving the "bellyaches" of 
the bigger babies also. It incorporates "elegantly" with a 
variety of pabulums. It is not yet a cream balm but just a "pom- 
ade" and it will "cure eczema." When the "old women" were 
using it they generally called it "soot and-lard," and applied 
it to "sores on the heads," "sores around the ears," and to 
"burns." Soot tea will relieve flatulency, and if sufficient is 
taken, will cure. It may be made by pouring boiling water, 
half of a pint, over two tablespoonfuls of the soot (wood- 
soot). About one-third of this is a dose for an adult. For 
small children a smaller dose according to age. 

COFFEE. 

Coffee when roasted acquires a bitterness of taste and a 
peculiar, yet agreeable odor which it did not before possess. 
Roasted, ground, added to boiling water and permitted to 
boil three to five minutes, it forms an agreeable beverage pos- 



628 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

sessing many valuable properties. A moderate use of it is val- 
uable to many people. 

It is attributed to contain sugar, fat, acid, caffeine and 
caseine, it is therefore stimulating, refreshing, and nutritious. 
It promotes digestion, aids in assimilation, checks waste and 
decomposition, quickens circulation and respiration. The 
laborer who is supplied with insufficient foods, finds relief from 
hunger for a time, from a drink of coffee. This is due to its 
nutritive property, and its influence in checking waste to some 
degree. It is also very stimulating. But continuing such use of 
it as the above, namely, making it serve both as food and 
drink, not supplying sufficient nutricion the system must con- 
sume itself from which extreme exhaustion ensues. 

Its influence in checking waste makes it valuable in some 
cases of atony, especially where there continues an undue flac- 
cidity of the tissues accompanied by cold moisture ; this con- 
dition is met in typhoid fever, and cholera infantum cases. Its 
antiseptic properties are supposed to be due to its empyru- 
matic oil developed by roasting. It is valuable in tiding over 
nervousness in emergencies. It is a most excellent heat gener- 
ator and strength preserver, and for this reason it is valuable 
as a drink before venturing out in exposures to cold ; also in 
many other conditions of exposure conducive of depression, 
as the depressing influence of heat, exhausting marches, pro- 
longed labor, etc. It is a deodorizer and destroys the effluvia 
from decomposing animal and vegetable matters. An infusion 
is an effective wash for the teeth, preserving them from decay, 
if daily used. It promotes secretion, as has been many times 
evidenced by free perspiration following its administration. It 
sometimes acts as a cathartic, even to the extent of producing 
biliary excretions. It has been reputed by eminent authority 
to be a specific prevention from gravel, gout, and rheumatism; 



i 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 629 

it is also valuable in the general economy of the human sys- 
tem in conserving strength and preventing break-downs, as in 
cholera infantum, typhoid fever, and prolonged exhausting 
causes. 

While coffee has so many valuable properties and such 
wide usefulness, like many other valuable things, to some it is 
valuable to others positively injurious. Injudiciously and ex- 
cessively used it produces nervousness, debility, sleeplessness, 
constipation, headache, and many other annoyances in many 
cases. Improper indulgence in drinking coffee, in some cases, 
produces symptoms very like alcoholic drinks, being first fol- 
lowed by excitement, then prostration, sadness, and exhaustion 
of physical and moral forces. It does not affect all alike. In 
some cases it renders the brain more active, and a brilliancy 
of ideas and fluent flow of language follow its use, but this is 
always followed by prostration in greater or less degree. 

Persons engaged in vigorous muscular exercise or labor, 
can use it as a common beverage more freely than those who 
are not; to the last named class it is hardly adapted to their 
needs as a daily beverage. 

OTHER USEFUL DRINKS. 

Catnip tea is useful for both infant and adult. Drank hot 
and freely, it produces perspiration. To some extent it is anti- 
flatulent. It is valuable in both colds and fevers. The adult 
may drink it without sugar, if preferred. For baby, add sugar 
to make it palatable. When baby is rolling with colic, make 
a sufficiently strong tea, sweeten to palatableness, and to a 
teaspoonful of the tea, add one drop of alcohol, and give to a 
babe two months old. It usually soothes to quiet rest with- 
out a second dose. Not more than three such doses should be 
given in any one day, (that is, with alcohol in it, without 
alcohol it may be given freely), and not repeated many days 



630 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

in succession. When a second dose is necessary, it may be 
given in half an hour after the first. 

Ginger tea is valuable in attacks of fever, cold, and in 
many irritated and painful conditions of the stomach and 
bowels in persons of any age. A teaspoonful of the powder to 
a pint of boiling water makes sufficient strength, the size dose 
made suitable to the age. A fourth of a teaspoonful may be 
given to a child two months old, and repeated in an hour if 
necessary. 

Pennyroyal tea is stimulant and diaphoretic, useful in 
fevers and colds. Drank hot and freely till free perspiration is 
produced, aided by a hot foot bath, favored by wrapping in 
blankets to promote sweating and prevent chilling, it has not 
only greatly lessened the severity of fevers and colds, but in 
some instances has dispersed them. In cases where the lochial 
discharge has stopped too soon, drinking freely of hot penny- 
royal tea usually establishes it again. 

Sage tea hot is also beneficial for the same purpose. It 
also removes flatulence due to the debility of the stomach. 
Drunk cold it has cured some cases of the night sweats. 

Peppermint tea is a stomachic, beneficial in flatulence, nau- 
sea and cramps in the stomach. 

Capsicum tea mild (an even teaspoonful of the powder to 
a quart of boiling water), one-fourth of a teaspoonful of the 
tea given in syrup three times a day, in cases of typhoid fever, 
greatly aids in allaying the inflammation of the bowels which 
more or less accompanies that affliction. It also promotes 
digestion. Given to "old soakers" with the same frequency, it 
greatly aids in dispersing delirium tremens and favors return 
to sobriety. And if continued for a few weeks it will disperse 
his desire for the strong liquor. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 631 

Spearmint tea may be drunk during almost any fevers, but 
it is especially beneficial given to those cases troubled with pin 
worms. In cases of pin worms it may be drunk, and a pint 
or quart used as an injection per rectum with benefit. 

Lemonade made by combining juice of lemon, water and 
sugar to a degree of palatableness forms a cooling drink in 
fevers. 

Cream of tartar, one teaspoonful to a pint of water, makes 
a refrigerating drink in fevers. It is said that this preparation 
supped five or six times a day will cure small pox and leave 
no scars. Also that it will prevent the small pox, both of 
which is doubtless true, as it promotes elimination and excre- 
tion by the way of the kidneys, thus scavenging, cleaning out 
the system, which is the thing needed in both the prevention 
and cure of small pox. 

Calamus root tea, the little baby's tea and the big baby's 
tea, relieves both alike from colic and nervousness accompany- 
ing it when there is "wind on the stomach." Make a tea 
sufficiently strong to possess a strong bitterness, sweeten to be 
palatable, and for baby add sulphur the size of a pea to a 
teaspoonful of the tea. From one to two teaspoonfuls may be 
given a babe twelve or fifteen days old. This amount is usu- 
ally sufficient. Older babies in proportion to age. 

Slippery elm bark tea, made by pouring boiling water on 
the inner bark of the slippery elm, and permitting to cool or 
get cold, forms a soothing drink in all forms of derangements 
of mucous surfaces, as inflammation of the lungs, throat, stom- 
ach, bowels or kidneys. It may be drunk freely. If the bowels 
are constipated, the above method of preparing is the best, 
but if there is disposition to too free alvine dejections, boil the 
elm bark in the water till well cooked, drain off the water and 
let cool, or get cold as preferred by the patient. In throat 



632 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

troubles it is best to sup it hot. The ground meal, well 
cooked, and a little cream or milk added, is nutritious, and 
serves a wholesome purpose for infants suffering from bowel 
trouble, especially in cholera infantum. It is easily digested. 
It is fattening. 

Hard cider, that sparkles in the glass, is an excellent acid 
stimulant and antiseptic for typhoid fever cases, acting kindly, 
meeting the requirements better than lemon or iron, or any 
other acid. 

Buttermilk is very kindly received by many of these cases, 
and with much benefit. 

Toast tea is accepted by many patients whose appetite re- 
fuses all else; the toast being browned to the verge of being 
burned, and boiling water poured over it and served as hot 
as it can be supped, suits the largest number of cases. In 
many cases it serves a better purpose in coaxing back a lost 
appetite than medicine, and it also gives tone to the stomach. 

Mild new ale is said to be valuable for typhoid fever 
patients or those patients in very feeble conditions, as it 
abounds in undecomposed sugar, making it more nutritious 
and less alcoholic than the thoroughly fermented. I have not 
used it. 

The whortle berry is said to contain a large proportion of 
quinine identical with that obtained from peruvian bark. 

Oat meal made into a cake by the addition of water suffi- 
cient, baked, broken up, and browned as brown as roasted 
coffee, and made into a coffee-like infusion, will allay nausea 
and vomiting in irritating conditions of the stomach ; it is 
also nutritious. This added to water when frequent changes 
in location are necessary, obviates much of the annoyances 
consequent upon frequent changes. 



OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 633 

Fresh sweet milk, permitted to heat sufficiently to just 
boil up, a small pinch of black pepper and salt added, and 
supped as hot as possibly can be not to burn, is almost a 
specific in allaying irritations and checking unduly frequent 
alvine discharges in dysentery, diarrhea, cholera infantum in 
its early stages, and stomache-ache. A cup of hot milk is an 
excellent restorative from fatigue and exhaustion. 

Egg cordial. Beat the white of an egg till near a stiff 
froth, add two tablespoonfuls of sweet thick cream, one of 
brandy, and a teaspoonful of sugar, beat again for five minutes 
and serve. This is nutritious, and is tolerated by many 
patients. 



PART SEVENTH. 



REMEDIES.— SINGLE REMEDIES. 



[In this division some attention is given to single remedies, 
briefly giving some of their properties and uses. The writer 
will add the officinal name to a few of the single remedies, which 
name will be placed in italics.] 

ACONITE. 

Tincture of aconite is given to lessen the degree of fever of 
almost all types, and is given to all ages. It is a reliable 
assistant for this purpose, increasing the activity of the sweat 
glands, thus favoring elimination of morbid matters, and thus 
allays irritation, influences circulation, and lessens increase of 
heat, or production of heat. It acts kindly in all cases of irri- 
tation of mucous surface, whether ulcerating tonsils, mucous 
or membranous croup, or of the lungs or pleura, lessen- 
ing its severity and shortening its duration. If given the 
first two or three days of an attack of cold it will cut short 
the attack. In many of the febrile attacks of children, if given 
for three or four days, it disperses many disturbances that 
might assume more serious aspect. 

Five drops of the tincture added to four ounces of water, 
and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every hour, or every two 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 635 

or three hours, according to severity of fever or cold, is the 
mode of mixing and giving it. 

In the distressing pain in pneumonia, tincture of aconite, 
five drops, and tincture of brjonia, B.yq drops, added to four 
ounces of water, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given every 
one or two hours relieves the severe pains and the deep-seated 
soreness. When fever has disappeared the medicine must be 
discontinued. 

ALCOHOL. 

Alcohol in medicine is used in making tinctures, and in that 
respect can not very well be used in families. It may be used 
in administering vapor baths, and occasionally a little is added 
to baths, though rarely. It may sometimes be advantageously 
added to the bath in severe cases of fevers. As alcohol evap- 
orates rapidly, instead of adding it to the general bath, four 
drachms may be added to a pint of water, and the body sponged 
over the surface with this after a bath for cleanliness has been 
administered. This quantity for an adult, and once a day is 
sufficiently frequent. This application must be begun at the 
face and hands, bathing downward. 

ALLSPICE. 

Allspice has had but little range of use in curing ailments. 
The tea gives relief in some conditions of flatulency. Combined 
with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and a small pinch of capsicum, 
all mixed and moistened with warm water, thus making a 
poultice, it has been used in some painful conditions of the 
bowels. It must be applied all over the abdomen, very hot. 

ALUM. 

Alum is an old domestic remedy, a solution having been 
used as a gargle in sore throat, and the powder has been given 

/ 



636 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

in molasses in conditions of croup, with some good results. 
Burnt alum, prepared by placing alum on a heated surface and 
permitting it to remain till dry, was used to remove proud 
flesh. I think it is rarely so used at present. 

AMERICAN SENNA.— Cassia Marilandica. 

Senna is not so frequently given alone as formerly, though 
it possesses valuable properties. A confection, useful for chil- 
dren that are habitually annoyed with constipation, is made 
by cooking prunes in senna tea. One or two prunes may be 
given just before retiring to bed. 

ANISE. — Pimpinella Anisum. 

This remedy is valuable in conditions of gaseous sour stom- 
ach, flatulence and colic. Oil of anise added to simple syrup, 
forms an excellent disguiser of unpleasant medicines. 

APOCYNUM. 

This remedy has been used for the cure of dropsy. Ten 
drops added to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the mix- 
ture taken three or four times a day, aids in removing the 
serous effusion in some cases. Its action is feeble and slow, but 
it may be greatly increased by giving a capsule (see remedies 
in this book) every night, or every third night. There are other 
remedies more efficient. The kava kava is preferable. (See 
kava kava in this book.) 

AQUA AMMONIA, OR SPIRITS OF HARTSHORN. 

Ammonia is not extensively used internally, being chiefly 
used in forming local applications in combination with other 
remedies. As a smelling preparation it serves a reviving pur- 
pose in headaches, delirium tremens, and to resuscitate from 
shock and from chloroform. It is largely used in liniments for 
external use. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 637 

ARNICA.— Arnica Montana. 

The tincture of arnica is an old and valuable remedy. It is 
chiefly used as a local application to bruises, sprains, rheuma- 
tism and inflammations. Its application to bruised and sore 
feet, caused by long standing and walking, removes the sore- 
ness and gives a sense of rest. 

Prof. John King, M. D., more than thirty years ago, spoke 
of its having been given in small doses in typhoid and other 
low fevers that were accompanied with prostration; that in 
its action it increases the urinary discharge, promotes perspira- 
tion and quickens the pulse. 

It has been said that ten drops of tincture of arnica every 
three hours will control the severity of symptoms of pneumo- 
nia within a very short time, and though perceptibly slow it 
may be relied on to give good results. The writer has not had 
experience with it as an internal remedy. 

ARROW ROOT. 

This is useful for a nutrient for infants and invalids. When 
made up into jelly by mixing with water and boiling, and fla- 
vored with fruit jelly or lemon, or made into a custard jelly by 
using milk instead of water, it is palatable to many. It may 
be sweetened as liked. 

BALM OF GILEAD. 

A home-made preparation, the tincture of balm of gilead buds, 
is made by filling any sized bottle with the sliced or bruised buds 
quite closely; then pour into the bottle all it will hold of 
whiskey, or alcohol three parts and water one part. Shake 
the bottle occasionally, and in eight or ten days it is ready for 
use. It is a valuable old domestic remedy that retains its use- 
fulness and is generally considered unsurpassed in promoting 
healing when freely applied to cuts, wounds, bruises and vari- 



638 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ous sores. This tincture is considered a soothing diuretic 
when mixed with an equal part of honey. A teaspoonful of 
the mixture is considered a dose. 

BALSAM OF PERU, AND BALSAM OF TOLU. 

These are most valuable when combined with other rem- 
edies in forming cough remedies (see cough syrups in this 
book). Balsam of peru, one drachm, mixed with an ounce of 
vaseline, is said to be a valuable application to ring worm of 
the scalp, sluggish ulcers, and sore nipples. 

BALSAM COPAIBA. 

Balsam Copaiba and vaseline, equal parts, thoroughly 
mixed, forms an excellent application to painful piles, fistulous 
ulcerations, indolent sores and chillblains. 

BAYBERRY.— Myrica Cerifera. 

Bayberry bark and golden seal, of each equal parts, in fine 
powder, thoroughly mixed, forms an excellent tooth powder. 
A moist cloth dipped in the powder and rubbed on the gums 
once a day, preserves them firm, removes inflammation, cures 
bleeding gums, sores and scurvy, also preserves the teeth. A 
teaspoonful of the above powder, added to a teacupful of 
boiling water, makes an efficient gargle in conditions of ulcer- 
ated sore throat. The same amount of the powder added to 
a pint of boiling hot water, permitted to cool sufficient to be 
used, is also an exceedingly valuable injection in conditions of 
leucorrhea. Its action in these conditions is kindly efficient. 
Bayberry bark, half a teaspoonful, added to an ounce of vase- 
line, forms a healing ointment to apply to ulcers and scrofu- 
lous sores. The powder mixed with slippery elm bark, in 
forming poultices improves its value. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 639 

BEAR'S FOOT.— Polymnia Uvedalia. 

This remedy is exceedingly valuable in enlargements and 
inflammations of any of the glands of the body. The severe 
pains in and over the liver, or the spleen, accompanied with 
paroxysms of coughing more or less severe, and more or less ex- 
pectorations, disappear under its influence. The deep-seated 
aches, pains and soreness ranging over and about the region of 
the liver, between the shoulders, through the chest, in cases of 
shingles (which is glandular fever in fact), the liver, spleen and 
the follicles to some extent, are involved ; in conditions of in- 
flammation of the mammary glands, enlarged tonsils, it is a 
most excellent and speedy curative. It may be used both in- 
ternally and externally. For internal use, take polymnia uve- 
dalia, one-half a drachm; water and glycerine, of each, two 
ounces. Mix. The dose and frequency of taking is, for an adult, 
give a teaspoonful of the mixture every three hours during the 
day; children in proportion to age. 

BELLADONNA.— Atropa Belladonna. 
See treatment for whooping cough, measles, etc. 

BENZOIN. 

Both the tincture and resin of this remedy are very val- 
uable curative agents. The tincture is a valuable application 
to check bleedings from cuts, wounds and sores. For this pur- 
pose a cloth saturated with it is bound over the affected part. 
Ten to twenty drops of the tincture, added to two ounces of 
water, and a portion applied over the face, in conditions of 
acne, pimples, eczema, pimples or spread of erysipelas, ring 
worm, white spots on the face, and many other facial troubles, 
is efficient in a cure. The writer has seen it prove most effect- 
ual in these conditions where all other known remedies had 
failed. It is valuable as a gargle in diphtheria and sore throat; 



640 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

it may be sprayed on the tonsils, or, a more certain appli- 
cation is by means of the mop-swab. (For resin benzoin see 
elsewhere in this book.) 

BITTERSWEET.— Solatium Dulcamara. 

This remedy has been highly recommended for scaly cut- 
aneous diseases, syphilitic affections, scrofula, jaundice and 
dropsy. The roots and twigs are the parts used. A strong 
tea may be made, then sufficient sugar to form a syrup, and 
to a pint of the tea, add a fourth of an ounce of oil of anise, 
or preferably this quantity of essence of peppermint. Dose a 
teaspoonful of the mixture, three times a day. It is also said 
to cure sexual mania. 

The following combination is valuable : Take bittersweet, yel- 
low dock root and stillingia, equal parts, of each an ounce. Place 
in an earthen or granite vessel, and pour on it a pint and a 
fourth of boiling water, let it boil up brisk once, and remove 
from the stove. Let set fifteen minutes, then strain it, and 
add sugar sufficient to make a mild syrup. Dose, a teaspoon- 
ful three times a day. This is diuretic and alterative. It is 
beneficial in cases of scaby cutaneous diseases, rheumatism, 
syphilis, dropsical affections and boils. 

BLACK ALDER. 

This remedy with equal parts of golden seal has been rec- 
ommended for dyspepsia. The remedial property of the mixture 
may be largely due to the golden seal mixed with it. Five 
drops of the tincture of black alder, and ten drops of golden 
seal, added to four ounces of water, and a teaspoonful of the 
mixture taken half an hour before meals, is the best form in 
which to take it. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 641 

BLOODROOT. — Sanguinaria Canadensis. 

The powder of the dried root applied to nasal polypus, to 
fungus growths, ill-conditioned ulcers, and fleshy excresences, 
are dispersed by its action. It appears to arouse a new and 
healthy energy in the parts. Prof. John King, M. D., was very 
confident that all growths of the above nature, regardless of 
their location, could be successfully removed by this remedy. 
The fresh root infused in vinegar is said to remove warts, and 
to disperse ring-worm and tetter. 

BONESET. — Eupatorium Perfoliatum. 

This is usually employed in tea form for emetic purposes 
in fevers, conditions of measles, etc. Everybody is familiar 
with it as a domestic remedy. It may be combined with bran 
in forming poultices, enhancing the value of the poultice. The 
leaves are the parts used. 

BRYONIA. 

Tincture of bryonia, ten drops, added to four ounces of 
water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given every half-hour, 
every hour, or every two hours, according to the severity of 
the suffering, gives relief in all cases of aches and pains mani- 
festing the following symptoms : Headaches manifesting with 
a bruised or sore feeling over any part of the head ; aches and 
pains associated with the same sensation anywhere over the 
body, in conditions of cold, pneumonia, and the aching seem- 
ing to be very near the bones, the "bone-brake" aches. I have 
given it in conditions of carbuncle and am confident that it 
ameliorated the suffering and greatly favored recovery. 

BUCKHORN BRAKE.— Osmunda Regalis. 
About a tablespoonful of the root, in powder, added to a 
pint of boiling water, let cool, and given in wineglassful doses 
28- 



642 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to adults (to children in proportion to age), is said to be a 
positive cure for rickets. 

"BURDOCK.— Arctium Lappa. 

This plant grows abundantly in the United States. The 
root of the plant is a valuable alterative and diuretic, and is 
useful in curing boils, sores, scurvy, syphilis, leprous sores, 
scrofula, carbuncle, and tumorous formations, glandular en- 
largements, styes on the eyes and some kidney troubles. The 
fresh root may be sliced and placed in a bowl or cup, and 
three times as much water (by bulk) as there is of the root, 
poured over it, let it stand for three or four hours, it is then 
ready for use. Dose, one ounce, or about four tablespoonfuls, 
for an adult taken three times a day, is sufficient. 

This is decidedly a disperser of boils and boil-kinships. And 
doubtless it would be effective both in preventing and curing 
small pox, which is but a profuse crop of boils. 

If the dried root is used, more of it must be used, and 
water boiling hot must be poured over it, then let stand as 
above. The fluid extract can be purchased at the drug stores, 
also the dried root. 

Following the taking of the preparation from the fresh 
root, the writer has seen very ugly boils disappear, and their 
re-appearance stopped very rapidly. Also, from taking the 
fluid extract. The action of burdock {Arctium Lappa) is quite 
like the action of the yellow dock (Rumex Crispus), either pro- 
ducing about the same effect. 

YELLOW DOCK.— Rumex Crispus. 

This plant grows abundantly in the United States, and is 

known by the names of yellow dock, narrow dock, and sour 

dock, or curled dock. The leaves of this plant are frequently 

cooked for ' 'greens" and eaten. Both the seeds and root are 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 643 

used as medicine, but the writer is familiar only with the 
roots. 

The action of this dock is about the same as the burdock, 
and is used in the same way, prepared in the same way. The 
fluid extract is for sale in drug stores. Either of these prepa- 
rations are efficacious in dispersing boils, sores, scurvy, syphilis, 
leprous sores, scrofula, carbuncle, glandular enlargements, tumor 
formations and in curing some types of kidney trouble. Its 
action is diuretic and alterative. Quite eminent authority gives 
the yellow dock the preference above the burdock. 

Either of the above is valuable given alone or in combina- 
tion with other remedies, which see elsewhere in this book. 

BLACK WILLOW.— Salix Nigra. 

This is also known as pussy willow. The powdered bark 
simmered in sweet cream forms an excellent poultice in those 
dark colorings which sometimes accompany indolent boils or 
ulcers, and which condition is sometimes called mortification. 
The buds or aments, in a tea form, are highly recommended 
for cases of sexual mania, also for spermatorrhea. Its influ- 
ence continues for a long time. Salix nigra can be purchased 
at any drug store, prepared for use. 

BLUE FLAG.— Iris Versicolor. 

This has been claimed to cure goitre. It produces saliva- 
tion mixed with equal parts of mandrake and prickly ash bark; 
it is doubtless to this action that it is proving curative in 
cases of goitre, and yet, the writer considers that to the man- 
drake is very largely due the credit of the curative effects. The 
salivation does not appear to be of the nature of that pro- 
duced by mercurials, which is destruction of tissue, but rather 
an eliminator of excess of fluids, which action is largely neces- 
sary in effecting a cure in conditions of goitre. It is said not 



644 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to injure the teeth nor make the breath offensive, and that the 
harsh effects may be overcome by giving a little ginger, capsi- 
cum or spirits of camphor. It may also be prevented by ad- 
ding ginger or capsicum to the mixture. 

BUCHU. — Barosma Crenata. 

This remedy has a beneficial influence in all types of dis- 
ease of the urinary organs. See in many places where its use 
is directed elsewhere in this book. 

CAMPHOR. 

Camphor is an old and well known remedy, and no family 
should permit themselves to be without it in the house. It is 
an emergency remedy, and has a wide range of usefulness. In 
addition to its being a prime factor in many valuable liniments, 
the gum enters into the most valuable ices, creams and pom- 
ades, for applications to ulcers, pimples, cold sores, and many 
forms of eczema, and cutaneous affections. The spirits of cam- 
phor, inhaled in faintness and fainting, is an excellent restora- 
tive; as a local application to sprains, bruises and to swellings, 
it relieves pain, reduces swellings, prevents and removes dis- 
colorations, and removes soreness and promotes recovery. It 
is sedative, anti-spasmodic, diuretic, allaying nervousness and 
nervous excitement, subdues pain, arrests spasm, and quieting 
nervous irritations, induces sleep. In wakefulness accompany- 
ing or attending typhoid or cholera infantum patients it has 
proved valuable; one-fourth of a teaspoonful of tincture of 
camphor to which a little capsicum has been added, makes an 
excellent application over the pit of the stomach, and also over 
the bowels, in the above conditions, producing sedation, and 
is also restorative. Smelled or its odor inhaled up into the 
nose, it relieves the stopped-up nose and head. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 645 

Camphorated vaseline, which may be obtained at any drug 
store (or it can be made at home), applied well up the nasal 
cavities and over the forehead, will dispel very severe annoy- 
ances from colds. It should be applied at night. It is equally 
valuable for patients of any age. 

Equal parts of spirits of camphor and castor oil or glycer- 
ine, preferably castor oil, heated hot, and a pledget of cotton 
saturated with this and introduced well into the ear cures ear- 
ache the quickest of any remedy I have ever tried. And it 
comes the nearest restoring the hearing after complete deafness 
of all remedies I have ever tried. 

CAPSICUM. 

Capsicum is also called red pepper and cayenne pepper. 
Everybody knows the plant, it being a common garden plant, 
though comparatively few know its value. There are several 
species, though all possess similar properties. Its usefulness 
covers a wide range both in tincture and powder. It is a most 
powerful stimulant tonic, whether used internally or externally. 
Taken internally, it acts as an anodyne tonic to the entire ali- 
mentary canal, greatly favoring digestion, and is especially 
useful in cases where the vital energies are extremely low, as 
in typhoid fever, long continued scarlet fever or diphtheria, 
allaying inflammation, healing ulcerations, and promoting di- 
gestion. In these cases it may be given alone in syrup ; or in 
tincture or powder combined with golden seal. Or in extremely 
low cases of fever of any kind, the powder or tincture may be 
combined with vaseline or lard, or a little alcohol, and rubbed 
over the bowels and along the spinal column once a day. It 
is valuable as a gargle in ulcerated sore throat of diphtheria 
and quinsy. It is valuable in opthalmia, or sore eyes. It is a 
most excellent addition to liniments, and given with podo- 
phyllin it prevents griping. It is the best stimulant both in- 



646 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ternal and external. It produces no harm. Its stimulating 
effect is lasting, with no bad after effect whatever. 

CASTOR OIL.— Oleum Ricini. 

The seeds or beans from which this oil is obtained are said 
to be poison, as few as twenty beans is claimed to have proved 
fatal. The writer has had no experience with the crude ma- 
terials. The oil is indispensable for many purposes. When 
taken internally, in addition to its mildly cathartic property 
it is nutritious, easily digested, is soothing and healing to irri- 
tated surfaces, and is not unpleasant to taste, except imagin- 
ary. Take simple syrup, one ounce ; castor oil, two ounces, and 
half a drachm of essence of cinnamon. Mixed, this makes both 
a valuable and palatable form of taking it. One-half or one- 
third of this quantity is a dose for an adult ; children in pro- 
portion to age. In cholera infantum and bowel troubles of 
children this is excellent. 

As a local application to external surfaces, or to wounds 
of whatever nature, castor oil has no equal in remedies. Cas- 
tor oil, one ounce ; essence of cinnamon, one drachm, well mixed, 
or half as much turpentine added to the castor oil and mixed 
well, and a teaspoonful or tablespoonful rubbed over the bow- 
els in conditions of cholera infantum, typhoid fever and in puer- 
peral fever, or in any dispositions to hemorrhagic or mucous 
discharges, it is promotive of the best results. 

Also, a tablespoonful of castor oil mixed with a gill of milk 
and permitted to boil up just once, remove from the fire and 
add ten drops of essence of cinnamon, forms a valuable prepara- 
tion for giving internally in the above cases ; also in cases of 
feebleness of the verv aged. The above is for a child, and is 
usually permissible twice a day to a child ten months to eigh- 
teen months or two years old. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 647 

In addition to the above qualities to commend it, as a 
local dressing it has equally as much to commend it. In addi- 
tion to its own curative properties it serves as an excellent ve- 
hicle for other remedies, for all sorts of wounds and wounded 
surfaces, and it is sufficiently consistent to remain on the part 
or portion where it is originally placed. It does not prevent 
the absorbent dressing from taking up the blood or other secre- 
tions, and in no way interferes with drainage, nor with the 
action of other remedies that may be applied. It saturates the 
fibre of an absorbent and does not hinder the fluids from pass- 
ing into or through its interstices, keeps the surface wounds 
moist and prevents hardening crusts from forming. When 
mixed with oil of Peru or turpentine it does not become rancid. 

The castor oil is valuable as a vehicle in which to incor- 
porate turpentine to apply to local injuries or wounds to 
check bleeding. Add one drachm of turpentine to one ounce 
of castor oil, for this purpose. Y/ounds of considerable degree, 
the cut or injured parts being placed near and smoothly to- 
gether, absorbent gauze, linoline, or cotton, preferably the 
finest new unwashed cotton, wet with this mixture, placed 
over the injury and confined in place by a bandage, will stop 
the flow of blood, and in addition, quite severe wounds will 
get well with no other treatment. 

CHLORATE OF POTASSA. 

The use of this remedy is to check decomposition, undue 
degeneracy, putrefaction, and may be given when any foul 
odors emanate from any part of the body, as putrid or offen- 
sive odors from the breath, as in cases of sore throat, pneu- 
monia, or offensive odors clinging about the sweat, or cling- 
ing about the body, or an odor of decomposition about other 
excretions, or discharges from a wound, sore or ulcer, or from 
whatever source about the body the odor of decomposition 



648 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

may arise. A half of a teaspoonful of the powder or crystals 
added to half a glass of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture 
given three times a day, for the first day, then twice to once a 
day so long as there is marked offensiveness present, is the 
proper mode of giving it. 

CINNAMON. 

Cinnamon, the cinnamon of commerce, is stimulant, car- 
minative, and a most reliable hemostatic for checking hemorrhage 
from any of the internal parts. It is given in various ways. 
The essence given in fifteen drop doses, on sugar or in syrup, 
is the most agreeable way of giving it. In severe cases of 
bleedings, or hemorrhages, it may be given as often as every fif- 
teen minutes ; in mild attacks, three times a day is sufficient. In 
giving it internally, I sometimes combine it with ten drops 
of oil of erigeron, in each dose, and give it in this form, 
especially in puerperal hemorrhage, or excessive menstrual 
flow. Doubtless the essence of cinnamon might be applied to 
a wound to stop bleeding, just as effectually as its internal 
use does. 

The cinnamon in powder has long been used in domestic 
practice, to wounds, in which it gives curative effect. The 
powder applied would, doubtless, stop hemorrhage from 
wounds. 

Fifteen drops of the oil of cinnamon mixed in a teaspoon- 
ful of olive oil, and rubbed along the spinal column of a child 
suffering and restless from pain in the bowels, or wind, or 
gaseous colic, frequently calms it to sleep. 

CHLOROFORM. 

Chloroform can not be safely used by people not physicians, 
hence but little of its uses need be named here. It is useful to 
the surgeon for administering by inhalation, to produce relax- 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 649 

ation to enable adjustment of the parts in dislocations, and in 
conditions of lock-jaw for unlocking the jaws. The task of ad- 
ministering it is not a desirable one, and none but a compe- 
tent physician should give it. If unpleasant symptoms are 
met, pour aqua ammonia upon a handkerchief and pass it un- 
der the nose. Vinegar is said to do as well as ammonia. Also, 
the fumes of turpentine are affective. 

CLOVES. 
Cloves are chiefly used in confections, and in modifying the 
taste of other remedies. The oil of cloves, applied on cotton, 
and placed in the cavity of a decayed tooth, sometimes allays 
the aching. 

COTTON. 

Cotton, the very finest unwashed cotton, such as we use 
to put in quilts, forms a most excellent application to surfaces 
afflicted with erysipelas, to burns, to blisters, over wounds, 
ulcers, sores, swelled joints, and rheumatic achings and pains. 
In conditions of erysipelas, there is no remedy among our med- 
icines that equals the cotton for a local application in giving 
speedy and permanent relief. It should be from one to three 
inches thick. 

DIGITALIS.— Details Purpurea. 

The virtues of this remedy are much praised by a few, for 
the cure of some types of derangements which are supposed to 
be due to some abnormal condition or action of the heart, and 
as a cure for dropsy. I have observed marked sedative influences, 
and reduction of pulse, from its administration, but have seen 
no beneficial effects whatever from it in conditions of dropsy. 
It may be given in those highly excited conditions apparently 
met or located at or about the heart, occasionally met, for 
temporary relief. The dose for an adult is : Take digitalis, five 



650 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

drops; water, four ounces. Mix. Give a teaspoonful every 
three or four hours. The remedy is exceedingly over-rated as 
to its medicinal value. The writer is of opinion that its value 
is quite limited; that as a curative remedy in dropsy it is 
worthless and is harmful rather than even beneficial, and they 
who look to this remedy to cure dropsy, experience miserable 
failures. 

ELDER. — Scambucus Canadensis. 

Elder flower tea, or elder flower water, is used by some 
persons as a wash and application to the face and hands. For 
this purpose it can be obtained from the drug store, or it can 
be made at home. The juice of the berries may be evaporated 
into a syrup, an ounce of which acts as a purge. The ex- 
pressed juice evaporated by boiling to half, and sugar added 
to form a thick syrup, makes an appetizer to some sick people. 
Eaten freely it is mildly laxative. The berries may be dried, 
cooked, sweetened with sugar and flavored with lemon or ap- 
ple vinegar if liked, and is not wholly unpalatable eaten when 
so prepared and cooked between crusts. Many admire them 
very much when so treated. 

The inner bark has been steeped in lard, and used to ap- 
ply to many sores with good results. It has seemed valuable 
applied to protruding piles. 

CANADA FLEABANE.— Erigeron Canadensis. 
See, combined with other remedies, the oil of erigeron. 

FLAX SEED. 

Flax seed is used in the form of meal, in which form it is 
used for making poultices. It is valuable for hastening the 
maturation of boils, and other tumors. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 651 

GARLIC. 

Everybody ought to know garlic, especially its usefulness 
ought to be known by those persons who are anxious to get 
well without money, energy or price. Its use is not wholly 
confined to culinary purposes, it has long since slid out of the 
kitchen and is serving more prominent places than flavoring 
savory dishes. It is a food-medicine, and may find hosts and 
hostesses among the "very elite" or play servant to those 
among them who are afflicted with that tormentor, gout, if it 
be so intrusive as to have ensconced behind their hospitality, 
and it frequently does. The discovery of garlic being a gout- 
disperser, is attributed to some "old woman," but however, 
that does not weaken the merits of the article. Half a tea- 
spoonful of the juice, or a medium sized bulb, is the dose, and 
every night, the frequency of taking. It is a searching and 
effective scavenger, and is worthy of a trial. 

GIRGBR.— Zingiber Officinale. 
This remedy is stimulant, anti-flatulent and tonic. In dis- 
pepsia it gives tone to the stomach, aids in digestion, relieves 
cramps and colic in the stomach, and adds tone to the system. 
It promotes sweating, is valuable in relaxed palate, paralysis of 
the tongue, and that seeming "deadness" that sometimes man- 
ifests in low conditions, especially typhoid fever. 

The stimulating influence of ginger is immediate, and greater 
than alcoholic beverages. It is not harmful. It is a reliable 
remedy of superior pain-relieving properties for patients both 
old and young, patients of any age. It may be taken freely 
in sudden chilliness, coldness of the extremities or skin, in dis- 
tress of the stomach or bowels, and many other conditions of 
pain. It may be taken in the form of a tea, made by placing 
a teaspoonful of the powder in a suitable vessel, and pouring 
on it a pint of boiling water, and let it stand for twenty min- 



652 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

utes. A little sugar may be added for those who prefer it so. 
For persons feeling indisposed, this tea may be advantageously 
taken three times a day before meals, taking two tablespoon- 
fuls at a dose. 

GENTIAN.— Gentiana Lutea. 
This remedy's chief value consists in it being an appetite 
creator, or coaxer, for which use it is hardly excelled. But 
little is required to bring sufficient appetite, and when this 
result is obtained it is best to discontinue taking it. See its 
uses combined with other remedies in this book, elsewhere. 

GLYCERINE. 
Glycerine is a remedy the value of which is but little un- 
derstood as yet. It has a wide range of usefulness, both for 
internal and external use. For external use in inflamed and 
edematous swellings, in tonsilitis, sore throat, diphtheria, peri- 
tonitis or child-bed fever, in strains, sprains, felons, boils, car- 
buncles and abscesses, it is scarcely equaled as an application 
over these parts ; it removes the congestion and engorgement 
from the parts affected and favors nature in letting the blood 
circulate to and in the affected part on its mission of healing, 
and promotes and hastens a cure. 

HOUSELEEK. — Sempervivum Tectorum. 

The leaf sliced and the inner part bound on corns or warts, 
and changed twice a day, is said to be a positive cure for 
them. Also, that the juice applied locally has cured ring 
worm, shingles, and many other cutaneous affections. A Dr. 
A. Brown, of Cincinnati, claimed to have cured several cases 
of shingles in twenty -four hours by an application of bruised 
houseleek as a poultice. Its valuable properties are supposed to 
be due to the salt-lime that, it is supposed to possess. It is 
worthy of a trial. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 653 

GOLDEN SEAL.— Hydrastis Canadensis. 

This remedy is the "yellow pocoon root" that our grand- 
mothers knew and used. Though an old remedy, it has never 
lost any of its curative virtues, but every day it more thor- 
oughly establishes them. It is a valuable remedy for any age, 
both young and old. Its range of usefulness, for both external 
and internal use, is wide and varied. 

Hydrastis, one drachm, added to four ounces of water, or 
syrup, a teaspoonful of the mixture taken three times a day 
improves digestion. 

It is an excellent remedy, given as above, in conditions of 
scrofulous diseases of any type, loss of flesh, and enlarged tonsils 
or enlarged glands in any part of the body, whether there is 
ulceration present or not. In children suffering with that form 
of eczema commonly called "milk crust," or "milk scab," usu- 
ally confined to the hands and face which forms pustules, it is 
of much value. It increases the digestive powers, favors assim- 
ilation, nutrition, and lessens the destruction of tissues, thus 
favoring a cure. 

An even teaspoonful of the powder, added to half a pint of 
boiling water, let to steep thirty minutes, then add a pinch of 
borax, two ounces of glycerine, one-fourth of an ounce of pep- 
permint, and two ounces of honey, or sugar to make a mild 
syrup. This makes an exceedingly valuable gargle and wash 
for sore throat and sore mouth. A teaspoonful of this mixture 
given three times a day, in these conditions, also gives marked 
relief. 

HORSERADISH.— Cochkaria Amoracia. 

Horseradish grated in vinegar, and partaken of in moder- 
ation at meals, promotes digestion, strengthening delicate ap- 
petites, and is considered anti-scorbutic. It has proved bene- 



654 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ficial in conditions of dropsy. The infusion of the fresh root 
in vinegar is sweating; its use persevered in, removes drop- 
sical effusions. In some conditions of hoarseness, the root 
grated in syrup or sweetened water, and a little of it taken 
occasionally, removes it. In preparing horseradish for eating at 
meals, grated turnips mixed with it modifies its taste agree- 
ably. 

IPECACUANHA.— Cephselis Ipecacuanha. 

Five drops of this remedy added to four ounces of water, 
a teaspoonful of the mixture given every three hours to every 
^lyq. hours, checks excessive discharges from the bowels in some 
cases of cholera infantum ; also it may be given in conditions 
of dysentary of any age of patients. Given three times a day, 
it appears to improve digestion in some cases. One drop of 
ipecacuanha and one drop of podophyllum P., given in a little 
water, is said to promote perspiration. The writer has not 
used it in this way. The oil combined with olive oil or lard, 
two parts lard, and one part of oil of ipecacuanha, mixed, and 
a small portion applied to swelled and inflammed joints, and 
over the region of the tonsils when they are enlarged, by its 
causing an eruption on the surface thus withdrawing the fluids 
from the congested part, assists in bettering the condition. 

JALAP. — Impcela Jalapa. 
This remedy is a valuable one and its action can be relied 
upon. I like its action best when combined with other rem- 
edies (which see elsewhere in this book), in which combination 
it greatly promotes secretion, elimination and excretion effect- 
ively and promptly. 

LEPTANDRA.— Leptandra Virginica. 
This remedy though not so much used at present as some 
years ago, is a valuable remedy. Given in the small doses, 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 655 

it appears to excite the liver to renewed energy. It increases 
the alvine dejections but little, given in the small dose, jet in 
some cases of biliousness, and in some fevers and indigestion, 
it appears to better conditions. From three to five drops may 
be taken in water or syrup, once a day. 

POKE. — Phytolacca Decandra. 

See phytolocca elsewhere in this book. The fresh root 
bruised in cream, lard, or fresh unsalted butter, and a small 
portion applied over the surface of the affected part, in condi- 
tions of glandular enlargements, or tumors, and scrofulous 
ulcers, and itch, it is of curative value. It is worthy of a 
trial. 

LETTUCE. 

Lettuce, the garden plant, possesses narcotic properties 
somewhat like opium, though not like it in that it does not 
constipate the bowels. The plant eaten at the supper meal, 
induces plentiful of sleep for the night. 

LICORICE. 

A confection is made combining licorice, and which is ben- 
eficial in colds, coughs, catarrh, and irritated mucous surfaces. 
Its beneficial effect is doubtless due to its cathartic property. 

LOBELIA.— Lobelia Inflata. 
See its uses where directed, elsewhere in this book. 

NUX VOMICA. 

Nux Vomica is almost a twin companion to aconite, and 
comes near being an emergency medicine, but while it appears 
to help over many critical places, it is well enough not to place 
too much reliance upon it. In cases where the breathing seems 
"almost stopped, stopping, or smothering down," feeble respira- 



656 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

tions, its influence seems remarkable. It arrests nausea and vom- 
iting, and in many cases appears to give a general betterment, 
toning the general system, promoting the secretions and ex- 
cretions, relieves pain in the stomach and bowels, and is espe- 
cially permissible in cases exhibiting whitish or pale yellowish 
color about the mouth, over the face, and about the eyes. The 
dose is: Add five drops of the tincture of nux vomica, to four 
ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of this mixture (to 
patients over six years old), every fifteen to thirty minutes in 
cases of difficult breathing, till two or five doses have been 
given, then every two hours; in other general requirements, a 
dose every two hours. For removing constipation, give to an 
adult one drop in a little water at night just before retiring, 
for three to five days. 

THE ANTI-BILIOUS PHYSIC. 
Take senna, jalap and cream of tartar, of each one ounce; 
ginger in powder, a teaspoonful. Thoroughly mix. Dose: A 
heaped teaspoonful is a dose for an adult. 

The mode of administering this remedy is, place the pow- 
der in a cup (a little sugar may be added to make it more 
palatable), pour over it sufficient boiling water to make it suf- 
ficiently thin to drink; let it stand till cool enough to permit 
of drinking. It should be taken in about two swallows, then 
shut the mouth and breathe through the nose. In about ten 
minutes no undesirableness is apparent, and in half an hour 
after taking it one may take their usual meal, if such is de- 
sired, without harmful results. 

The dose is large, and while it is not esthetic in appearance, 
it is not undesirable in taste, and it is the one dose that does 
a most masterly work. I know of no other remedy that acts 
so kindly and effects so much, and with so little unpleasant- 
ness about it, in eliminating from the circulation the destruc- 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 657 

tive and depressing morbidness and excreting it from the body, 
thus permitting the vital energies to gather up their forces and 
continue life. It eliminates and removes the debris and detritus, 
the ashes, muck and excess from the machinery of the bodily 
economy — from the drainages, nerve beds, pivots, hinges, joints, 
canals and interstices, thus permitting the harmonious running 
of the machinery-economy, and promoting reparation — the re- 
newal of life. It does not nauseate, it stops it. It will stop 
vomiting and diarrhea. It will stop headache and prevent its 
return. It will stop hemorrhage from the nose. The one dose 
is generally all that is required. In the treatment of various 
ailments in this book this remedy is frequently directed to be 
given. 

PODOPHYLLIN. 

Podophyllin is the resinoid preparation made from the root 
of mandrake, or may apple, as it is generally called. The late 
Prof. John King, M. D., brought this remedy into prominent 
notice about the year 1844, though it had been very largely used 
by "old women" in domestic practice for many years previous, 
and had thus proved and established its curative value. Its 
value is now known by all well informed physicians throughout 
the world as well as thousands and thousands of lay-people. 
There is no known remedy in all materia medica that at all 
approximates it in curative value, or range of usefulness as a 
curative remedy, properly administered. 

The medicinal action of podophyllin, is upon the viscera 
engaged in digestion and blood-making, and reflexedly upon 
the function of nutrition and excretion. It influences secretion 
from the entire intestinal tract in an especial manner; it stim- 
ulates the mucous follicles, the gastric follicles, the biliary ap- 
paratus, the pancreatic apparatus, and the glandulae of the 
29- 



658 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

intestinal canal. It is the remedy in all conditions of atony — or 
general derangements of the bodily economy. 

Its action is prompt, impressive, efficient, and continues 
for considerable time; it effects great action from small quan- 
tity taken, hence the desired relief is obtained without the 
taking of so much medicine which gives no adequate good re- 
turn or effect, as is the result from giving so many of the 
remedies in vogue, and for this reason, as fast as it is becom- 
ing known, it is being preferred to other remedies, and is doing 
away with that method of prolonged medicating — that long 
continuing of taking remedies "every fifteen minutes," "every 
hour," "every-two-hours," and "three-times-a-day method." 

Administered in proper doses and in proper frequency, it 
arouses biliary excretions, eliminates morbid matters from the 
bodily economy and promotes their excretion or ejectment from 
the body ; it promotes digestion and elaboration of pure blood, 
removes cough from whatever cause, disperses tumors, ab- 
scesses, boils, carbuncles, small pox, aches, pains, fevers — inter- 
mittent, the chills-and-fever kind, and any variety of fever, even 
when quinine and all other remedies fail. It requires no other 
remedy to check its action, and it leaves no bad after-effects — 
no ragged teeth — no suppurating bones nor old sores. 

The small dose gives the desired effect, and its influence is 
somewhat prolonged, lasting for several days; hence, -when 
alvine action has been seen to follow its administration it 
should be discontinued for some days. This plan will be seen 
to be carried out in the directing the giving of remedies com- 
bined with podophyllin, in this book. The following are the 
methods, manner of mixings, and sizes of dose and frequency 
of taking, except where otherwise named : Take podophyllin, 
one grain; sugar of milk, nine grains; and capsicum, one grain. 
Thoroughly mix all together. Two grains of this mixture is a 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 659 

dose for an adult, for all persons over twelve years. It may 
be taken mixed in water (which is the best way when it is not 
put in capsules) or mixed in simple syrup to which has been 
added three drops of oil of anise, or essence of peppermint. 

Capsules, the No. 2 size is the size intended to be used to 
put the powder in. The capsules cover up the medicine so that 
one need not experience having to taste the medicine in taking 
it. The No. 2 capsule will contain a dose for an adult, as 
above mentioned. In every place in this book where I have 
directed to take "the capsules," and have directed your atten- 
tion to "remedies," in this book, the No. 2 capsule filled with 
the above powder is meant. The frequency of taking this rem- 
edy is, a dose every three or four hours till from three to five 
doses have been taken, or till biliary alvine action is seen to 
follow its administration. Usually but from one to three doses 
are sufficient to produce this action. In some instances in this 
book I have directed different lengths of time for taking it. In 
cases where the disturbance has not been permitted to progress 
to much degree of severity, one dose taken two or three hours 
after the supper meal has been taken, or just before getting in 
bed, repeating the dose in a few nights, will be found to restore 
to health. 

For children under eight years old the following usually 
serves their needs quite well : Take podophyllin, one grain ; 
sugar of milk, fifty grains. Thoroughly triturate them to- 
gether. Two grains of this remedy is a dose for children from 
eight months to six or seven years old. To a child eight 
months old give one dose, and from six to twelve hours should 
be awaited, as sufficient action is usually seen from the one 
dose, for this age. Another dose may then be given if neces- 
sary. Other ages may be modified from the above, where not 
directed. 



660 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

It will be noted in taking some of the remedies directed in 
this book, that the actions of those that increase dejections 
from the bowels, the action is much greater following the first 
few doses than doses taken after this first action has subsided, 
but the additional doses give the good constitutional effect 
also. 

It will also be noted that the frequency of taking medicines, 
as directed in this book, is markedly less than is generally 
given by physicians. Medicines are but prompters, somewhat 
helpful, and temporary props, hence in all cases time must be 
permitted, time for the medicine to do its "work, and an oppor- 
tunity given for the system to battle with the condition, ad- 
justing itself to retake up the work of the continuing of the 
functions of life, which opportunity must be given in all cases 
in order to receive a good result, and can not be lost sight of 
in the treatment of any case. 

The old habit of constantly keeping the stomach and mind 
agitated with "taking a dose," never permitting the system a 
moment of restful peace in which it may look over its energies 
to gather up its lost self that it thereby may retake up living 
or continuing the functions of life, must be set aside. 

PEPPERMINT.— Mentha Piperita. 

Peppermint is one of the old remedies, much and effectually 
used in stomach-aches occurring in members of families. Its 
real value, however, is but little known. It is exceedingly val- 
uable both for internal and for external use. In either way of 
administering it, it is very soothing, powerful, and diffusive. 

The essence is the form usually employed for internal use, 
and from ten to sixty drops, (according to age of the patient), 
given in sweetened water, is the usual dose for an adult. It 
checks nausea and vomiting, allays gastric, flatulent colic, 
spasm or cramp of the stomach, and gripings. It may be 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 661 

given to persons of all ages, and it does not interfere with 
other remedies. Sickly and delicate children, slow to nourish, 
and sometimes annoyed with straggling fever, and diarrhea, 
given ten drops of essence of peppermint, in a teaspoonful of 
olive oil, three times a day before meals, relieves and nourishes 
the little sufferers, from ten months to three years old. A tea- 
spoonful of the essence added to a pint of hot water used to 
sponge the body in the above cases, appears to lend a tonic 
effect. The oil is generally used in preparations for external 
applications. Oil of peppermint, one part, and pure hog's lard, 
four parts, mixed, forms an excellent application over the 
region of enlarged or swelled tonsils, immediately giving relief, 
and hastening recovery; applied across the forehead in head- 
ache from colds, applied to mosquito bites, and bites of various 
insects, a plaster of it half an inch thick applied over the chest, 
in colds especially of children, gives valuable and speedy relief. 
The essence of peppermint is unsurpassed as a local application 
— as a liniment, in nearly all cases where a liniment is used. 
Its action is immediate and permanent. It is a specific, taken 
internally and applied externally, in colds and sore throat, of 
any variety. 

PHYTOLACCA. 

Phytolacca, valuable in all cases of glandular enlargements, 
if administered in the early onset, but if delayed till there is 
sloughing or suppuration, my experience with it is, that it is 
valueless. 

CREAM OF TARTAR. 
See uses elsewhere in this book where its use is directed. 

PRICKLY ASH. 
See preparations of it in mixtures in this book elsewhere. 



662 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

SALTS. 

Epsom Salts, useful in dysentary, for removing abnormal 
substances from the alimentary canal, from over eating, from 
long pent-in abnormal matters; in conditions of apoplexy, for 
removing excess of serum or morbid matters from the circula- 
tion, or excess of serum from the peritoneal cavity, and from 
the blood, thus lessening vital depression quicker than anything 
else except the anti-bilious physic. Dose for an adult, four or 
five grains. 

It is claimed that salts is an anti-fat, if taken three times 
a day in teaspoonful doses, and if the whole body is bathed 
with a solution of one part salts and two parts of water. 

It has been claimed that the application of epsom salts will 
be found valuable in the removal of scars, cicatrices and blem- 
ishes. It must be applied several times a day. 

SILKWEED. 
Silkweed, as it is commonly known (Asclepias Syriaca). It 
is said that the juice of the milkweed, applied to warts, will 
disperse them. 

SPIRITS" OF TURPENTINE. 

In addition to its efficient action as a hemostatic and in 
catarrhal affections, gastric ulcer, and affections of the mucous 
membranes, spirits of turpentine is an efficient and acceptable 
remedy for local application to many afflicted parts or mani- 
festations, and taken internally in the small dose does not an- 
noy the most sensitive. An agreeable mode of administering it 
is, spirits of turpentine five drops on a teaspoonful of sugar. 
This dose may be given to an adult, in any type of catarrh, 
no matter in what part of the body the catarrhal affection 
may be located, whether in the throat, as tonsilitis and diph- 
theria, the stomach, bowels, kidneys or bladder. From two 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 663 

to three times a day is the frequency of taking, and may be 
continued from three to five days. It is a searching and valu- 
able remedy, reaching every mucous membrane in the body. 
Its virtues are invaluable, modifying secretion and influencing 
nutrition, also acting as a stimulating alterative, and greatly 
aids in elimination. 

Administered in the above manner in typhoid fever, it is a 
good stimulant to the sympathetic nervous system ; under its 
influence the mouth becomes moist and the tympanitis is re- 
lieved, the secretions of the intestines are aroused, the genera- 
tion of gases are modified and expelled, and the inflammation 
and ulceration are not so extensive, and subside. In the above 
doses it is kindly borne, and administered with sugar it may 
be taken by anyone. 

In cases of hemorrhage from the stomach or bowels, of a 
paroxysmal attack of great severity, twenty drops may be 
given every fifteen or thirty minutes, according to the severity 
of bleeding to an adult. Lengthen the time of giving as im- 
provement is apparent. 

SLIPPERY ElM.—Ulmus Fulva. 
Slippery elm, sometimes called red elm, has a range of use- 
fulness too great to be forgotten. It forms a valuable poultice 
alone or combined with other remedies, for application to 
tumors, boils, ulcers, suppurating erysipelas, bruises, to mumps 
when distress appears in distant parts in the male, and to the 
mammary glands. In inflamed conditions in mucous surfaces, 
lungs, stomach, bowels, or urinary apparatus, a mucilaginous 
drink formed from the slippery elm bark, may be drunk freely, 
using either the fresh or dried bark. It is soothing, allaying 
irritation, and is very nutritious. A small quantity added to 
sweet milk, adds to its nutritive property and aids in diges- 
tion. Used for this purpose it must be cooked. The powder 



664 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

sprinkled over excoriated surfaces, chafings, heat -itch, and erj 
sipelas, promotes healing. 

SOAP. 
This is an exceedingly valuable adjunct to the bath for 
cleansing purposes. Its use in this respect must consume large 
quantities of it. 

SODA. — Bicarbonate of Soda. 
This is the soda of the kitchen, that is used for cooking 
purposes. See mention elsewhere. 

BORATE OF SODA. -Soda? Boras. 
This article is the borax of commerce, also called boracic 
acid. Also see elsewhere in this work, where its use is directed. 

SALT. — Chloride of Sodium. 

This article is also called sodii chloridum, and muriate of 
soda. It is the salt of commerce. Moderately used in foods it 
makes many varieties palatable, promotes digestion, especially 
in delicate and weakly children. In addition to improving the 
taste of many foods, it is valuable in some ailments of the 
human family. It is curative in many skin diseases, and may 
be used in the bath. In those cases of scrofulous disposition, 
a little freerer quantity may be taken daily in the foods. A 
small quantity added to hot water, makes a valuable wash 
to inflamed eyes ; added to hot water, and swelled and bruised 
parts well bathed in it, gives great relief. 

Salt saturated with turpentine and a little flour added, the 
mixture applied by means of a wool cloth, has been recom- 
mended to stop the development of carbuncle. 

In cases of apoplectic attacks, soon as the patient can 
swallow, add an even teaspoonful of salt to a teacupful of 
water, and have the patient swallow it. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 665 

If the patient cannot swallow, add a heaped tablespoonful 
of salt to half a gallon of water, and administer it as an in- 
jection per rectum. 

Mixed in honey or sorghum molasses, it may be given with 
benefit in cases of croup. 

In cases of enlargements of glands, or swellings on any 
part of the body, frequent daily bathings with strong salt 
water has dispersed many of these ugly conditions. 

SULPHATE OF COPPER.— Capri Sulphas. 

Also known as blue vitriol. Its usual employment is as an 
escharotic application to warts, ill-conditioned ulcers, fungus 
granulations, of sluggish healing ulcers, that present a pointed 
or nodulated surface of more or less prominence, generally not 
disposing to ulcerate nor to get well, but remain an angry red 
color. This condition may exhibit about any sore or ulcer; 
it sometimes exhibits when ingrowing toe nail is 
present, and also it sometimes appears on the edges of the 
eyelids about the roots of the lashes. The part may be 
touched most carefully with the point of a folded cloth dipped 
in the following solution, being careful not to permit it getting 
inside of the lid: Take sulphate of copper, four grains ; water, 
two ounces. Mix, and it is ready for use. The solution may 
be applied to the above variety of sores. Usually once is 
sufficient. 

SULPHUR. 

Sulphur is a time honored remedy, much and variously 
used by the old mothers who found it meeting many urgent 
needs. The late Prof. A. J. Howe, the most successful scientific 
surgeon of his day, in the world of surgery, spoke highly of 
its therapeutic value, as also the late Prof. John King, M. D., 
equally eminent in the science of obstetrics, and medical thera- 



666 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

peutics. In conditions of croup and pneumonia where there is 
a stoppage of the breath, as it were, a filling up, loud rattling 
in the chest, sputum tough, tenacious, and difficult to raise, it 
will be found an efficient remedy. A tablespoonful added to 
half a glass of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given every 
ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes according to the severity of the 
case, prolonging the time as relief is apparent to two or three 
hours for the first thirty-six hours, then three times daily, will 
be found to give a marvelous benefit. 

In persistent sore throat, in cases where there is great se- 
cretion of muco-pus, excessive expectoration, as in tuberculosis, 
it relieves and lessens this condition, and promotes digestion 
and assimilation; its tonic and alterative properties are re- 
markable, hence it is a prime curative agent in the above con- 
ditions. The adult with the above ailments should begin its 
use by taking a teaspoonful every second morning before break- 
fast till three doses have been taken. In six days repeat, begin 
again and repeat. 

In asthma where the secretions are profuse and cough per- 
sistent, it is valuable. In hepatic sluggishness, in piles, hemor- 
rhoids and hemorrhoidal bleedings, prolapsus of the anus and 
many morbid states of the alimentary canal it meets require- 
ments not met by any other remedy. Three parts of sulphur 
and two parts of cream of tartar, mixed, and a teaspoonful of 
the mixture taken as above for any of the above annoyances, 
is a prompt restorer of peace. The effect is greatly enhanced if 
a capsule (see remedies elsewhere in this book) is taken every 
fifth night. 

SWEET FLAG.— Acorns Calamus. 

This is commonly called calamus. The root is the part 
generally used. A tea made from it, sweetened to make it pal- 
atable, and a pinch of sulphur added, is valuable for allaying 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 667 

flatulent colic, depressing dyspeptic conditions, and giving tone 
to the stomach, especially in the very early months of infancy. 

TANNIC ACID OR TANNIN.— Acidum Tannicum. 

Tannin is useful as a wash in some conditions of sores, fis- 
sures of the anus, ulcers, sores of the mouth, salivation, as an 
injection in leuccorrhea, piles, gleet and gonorrhea. Five grains 
added to six or eight ounces of water makes the wash or in- 
jection. A fourth of a grain given internally every three to 
six hours checks diarrhea and dysentery in some cases. The 
white oak bark from which this remedy is made serves better 
than the tannin. 

WHITE OAK.- Quercus Alba. 
A decoction or tea, made from the bark, one ounce of the 
bark to a pint of boiling water, has many valuable qualities, 
much that is hardly realized from more elaborate preparations. 
A gill of this tea added to a quart of the water used to sponge 
those weakly children with severe diarrhea in cholera infantum 
where there manifests that undue moist, flaccid condition to the 
tissues and skin, appears to give tonicity. 

WITCH HAZEL.— Hamamelis. 

Hamamelis is tonic, sedative, and astringent and meets re- 
quirements in a broad range of usefulness. It was reputed to 
have been used by the Indians, in swellings and tumors of 
painful character, as well as in internal inflammations, and as 
local applications in the form of poultices. But whatever its 
source of discovery, it is a most excellent remedy. 

Witch hazel is valuable as a local application in various 
manifestations, as in conditions of sore throat, enlarged tonsils, 
elongated uvula. Taken internally, three or four times a day, 
from ten to thirty drops, for an adult. It appears to remove 
congestion from parts which is doubtless due to its promoting 



668 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

circulation. In sore throat there is a thickening of the mucous 
membranes, with enfeebled circulation; witch hazel may be 
used as a gargle (equal parts of witch hazel and water) in 
these cases, and even where there is mucous discharge, or muco- 
purulent discharge. External piles may be bathed with it, lame- 
ness and soreness in the back may have an application of it 
over the region of pain. Added to an equal part of water, it 
may be used to bathe the eyes in any manifestation of inflam- 
mation, mucous, or muco-purulent discharges. It may be ap- 
plied to stings of insects and conditions of chilblains. 

WAX— Avis Melifica. 

J. 

This wax is the product of the common bee. It is known 
as the yellow wax, cera flava, and the white wax, cera alba. 
It is chiefly used in medicine in making ointments and pomades, 
combined with other remedies. The yellow wax moulded over 
minor wounds and injuries keeps the parts in shape and pro- 
motes a nice healing. 

WHORTLEBERRY. — Vacinum Frondosum, or Huckleberry. 

The fruit is wholesome and beneficial in the economy of the 
body, beneficially influencing diuresis, in derangements of the 
urinary organs, removes scurvy, etc. It is said that bruised 
berries steeped in gin are valuable in conditions of dropsy and 
gravel. 

WILD YAM.— Dioscorea Villosa. 

Dioscorea is the remedy in many cases of bilious colic. It 
can be obtained of druggists generally. The dose is from ten 
to fifteen drops added to four ounces of water, a teaspoonful of 
the mixture given every fifteen minutes to half hour, or hour, 
according to severity, till relief is manifesting, then lengthen 
the time to three hours. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 669 

WmTBRGRBEN. —Gaultheria Procumbens. 

Most frequently used to disguise other medicines, yet it has 
a valuable curative property. A mild solution of the essence or 
oil is valuable as a wash in conditions of inflammation of the 
eyes, especially some cases remaining inflamed with no disposi- 
tion to suppurate or get well, also as a wash in excoriations, 
pimples, ulcers, etc. The oil, one part, and water four parts, 
mixed, is a most efficient disperser of abnormal and unpleasant 
odors about the patient's bed and dressings, utensils, etc. ; a 
small quantity added to the bath water for bathing parturient 
women, and for baths during catamenial flow, is a most elegant 
banisher of undesirable odors. 

YEAST. 

This article is perhaps worthy of some attention as a rem- 
edy, notwithstanding it appears to be bulky and crude. Some 
good reports come of its use, both internally and externally. 
It has been recommended to be administered to typhoid fever 
patients, in malignant ulcerations of sore mouth and throat, 
where there is disposition to putridity, in scarletina, and in 
low fevers. The dose, about one-fourth of an ounce every two 
or three hours. 

SULPHATE OF ZINC— Zinci Sulphus. 
Also called white vitriol, is valuable for many purposes. 
Three grains of sulphate of zinc added to two ounces of water 
forms a valuable wash for ulcers, old sores, etc. See elsewhere. 

QUININE. 

Quinine though so extensively used for many ages for so 
nearly every exhibit of disease, with all of its various forms of 
manufacture, is becoming less and less used every year. In fact, 
its use was always much overdone, and much to the worse- 
ment of the patients. There is no doubt but that many insane 



670 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

persons, many blind, deaf, rheumatic, decrepit, and multitudes 
of others who are mal-dependents, are the victims of too much 
quinine — have been brought to the condition by taking quinine 
— as well as many helped to an untimely grave by its use. 

Its best use is as an anti-periodic. It should not be given 
for this purpose till the functions of secretion and excretion are 
established — biliary secretion, alvine and urinary actions free, 
skin moist and tongue cleaning. When this is accomplished, it 
will be found in most cases, in fact about all cases, that the 
symptom calling for an anti-periodic remedy is wanting, does 
not manifest. Sulphate of quinia (sulphate of quinine) is the 
preparation of Peruvian bark giving the most harmful results. 
For the last fifteen years or more the writer has used the sul- 
phate of cinchonidia, which is a preparation with the anti- 
periodic properties of sulphate of quinine, but with compara- 
tively little of the undesirable properties of sulphate of quinine. 
The best mode of administering it, the writer considers best, is 
to combine it with equal parts of golden seal and capsicum. 
In this combination we obtain a stimulant tonic effect, really 
that which is most needed, with but little of the probable bad 
effects of the sulphate of quinia. From one to two grains of 
this combination being a dose, and every two to six hours the 
frequency of taking a dose. Usually three to five doses are suffi- 
cient, but in conditions of great feebleness, gastric disturbances 
and suggestions of periodic symptoms, its administration may 
be continued, a dose morning and evening for several days 
with much benefit. In conditions where the tissues of the body 
continue flaccid or flabby, and unduly moist, the above combi- 
nation is very valuable. Dose for children according to age. 
In cases of chilly shakings, the body moist, every movement of 
the patient seemingly increasing the severity, the above combi- 
nation gives good results in dispersing the condition, usually 
the first or second dose accomplishing it. 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 671 

HOT WATER. 
A remedy that can be obtained quicker than sending for a 
physician, that is harmless in every particular, cheapest of all 
remedies, and disperses pain and disagreeable symptoms inci- 
dent to disease in less time than can be done with any other 
therapeutic measure, is hot water. And there are so few cases 
where it is not permissible, that it is difficult to name one. 

It dispels pain, reduces swellings in any condition of in- 
flammation, in any part. In any eye troubles bathing the eyes 
in hot water before applying any other remedy, in addition to 
its own relieving and curative action, it hastens the actions 
of other remedies that may be used. There are thousands of 
cases of sore eyes, every year, that bathing with hot water 
■will cure, no other remedy whatever being used. 

The pain, congestion, and swellings in all throat troubles, 
diphtheria, tonsilitis, croup and whooping cough, are more rap- 
idly dispelled by a liberal use of hot water than any other 
means. Flannels wrung from hot water, applied to the throat 
and covered with a dry flannel — woolen flannel as it holds 
heat, is the best mode of applying it to the throat externally, 
gives immediate and permanent relief. For internal treatment 
of the throat, the hot water may be supped, drank or gargled. 
If threatened suppuration is present, the hot water reduces 
the swelling, lessens the tension, relieves the pain, and hastens 
the evacuation of its contents, and then cleanses the parts and 
hastens recovery. It must be used as hot as can be borne 
without burning. 

In pulmonary congestion, pneumonia — lung fever, it should 
be applied by the same method as directed for the throat. 

It is the remedy in treating small pox, and the patient 
may have a soaking hot water bath, using the water as hot 
as can be borne, the bathing beginning from the first knowl- 



672 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

edge of the presence of the small pox, and a daily bathing, till 
the suppuration ceases. It is cleansing, it prevents delirium, 
and when present it disperses it. It prevents the foul odors, or 
if present it dispels them. It always hastens recovery, and 
prevents bad markings. It relieves that fearful itching and 
burning during desquamation or the drying up of the sores. 

In any stage of measles, rubeola, scarlet fever, or scarletina, 
it lessens the intensity of the fever, favors the functions of the 
economy of the body, quiets irritation, it develops or brings 
out the eruption, prevents and removes delirium, and hastens 
a good and rapid recovery. Those cases that are called "black 
measles," will usually change to "red measles," and the severity 
of the disease will be greatly lessened by the administration of 
hot water baths, which should be preferably the sponge-bath. 
Supping and gargling hot water four or Hyc times a day, in 
the above diseases, prevents severe sore throat which so fre- 
quently manifests, and if present, lessens its severity. Patients 
must be permitted cold water to drink, but if hot water is 
occasionally sipped, an undue amount of cold water will not 
be craved. 

Hot water sitz-baths will arrest excessive menstrual flow 
and will promote the arrival of the tardy menses. The hot 
water sitz-bath and foot bath is a banisher of the pains, 
aches, and unpleasant sensations which sometimes manifest 
with the catamenial returns, and is also an elegant regulator 
of them. 

Hot water sitz-baths, and hot water injections per rectum 
are unsurpassed and unequalled as curative agents in the treat- 
ment of leucorrhea, pains in the pelvis, and many other un- 
pleasant developments associated with these parts. 

Vigorous "physicing," hot water sitz-bath, and the "phys- 
icing" kept up moderately for three to five days and the 



SINGLE REMEDIES. 673 

baths and injections repeated every day from four to ten days, 
will cheat the "appendicitis" operator out of a job much to 
the best comfort of your own body. 

The hot water sponge bath taken before retiring to bed 
at night lessens the night sweats of the consumptive. 

One of the best applications to sprains is hot water, hot 
as can be borne, and continued for thirty minutes or an hour 
duration each day as long as necessary. 

The water, to give the desired benefit, should be as hot as 
can be borne or supped, and during the time it is being used 
as bath, or application by mats or rags wrung from it, the 
water should be kept as hot as can be borne. 



30- 



PART EIGHTH. 



SYRUPS, LOTIONS, OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, ETC. 



SIMPLE SYRUP.-PREPARATION. 

Take of refined sugar, in powder, five pounds (avoirdupois), 
distilled water two pints (imperial measure). Dissolve the 
sugar in the water by the aid of steam or water heat. (It may 
be placed in a vessel, and this vessel closed and placed in 
some other vessel containing water.) It is nutritious, and 
when used as a food may be flavored as desired. In addition 
to it being nutritious, it supplies a convenient vehicle into 
which to incorporate medicines. 

DR. JOSEPH COBB'S COUGH SYRUP. 

"Take of vinegar of squills, eight ounces; tincture of lobelia, 
eight ounces; paregoric, two ounces; sorghum molasses, six- 
teen ounces. Mix thoroughly. Dose for an adult, a teaspoon- 
ful, and children in proportion to age. The frequency of taking 
is three or four times a day. 

In a long experience in the treatment and cure of disease, 
extending over a period of more than fifty years, I have found 
no preparation or preparations possessing so valuable proper- 
ties as the above for all purposes that a cough syrup is used, 
and in all cases that a cough syrup can be made sufficiently to 



VARIOUS SYRUPS. 675 

reach the requirements of a cough. It may be given to persons 
of any age. To infants and children annoyed with threatened 
croup, a dose may be given as often as every fifteen or thirty 
minutes, in severe cases, till four or five doses have been given 
if necessary. It clears the mucous accumulations from the 
throat, relaxes the parts, aiding in free respiration, and allays 
irritation."— Joseph Cobb, M. D. 

The above formula was given me by my husband, whose 
name it bears. A large portion of the time he was engaged in 
the practice of medicine extended over a period of time when 
the laity knew comparatively little of how to care for their 
health, which favored disease manifesting in severer type than 
at the present day, also they knew but little of how to care 
for the sick, hence it required far greater skill, and a broader 
and deeper range of knowledge to successfully treat diseases 
than at the present day, since there has been a more liberal 
distribution of the knowledge of prevention of disease and the 
care of the sick, and also the people being now more liberally 
supplied with suitable clothing and other comforts, which very 
materially not only lessens the amount of sickness, but the 
severity. 

ALTERATIVE COUGH SYRUP. 

This cough syrup meets the requirements in very many of 
the cases of aggravated and long standing coughs. No other 
medicines must be given while giving it. 

Take sorghum molasses, one quart ; fluid extract of yellow- 
dock, two ounces ; fluid extract of stillingia, two ounces ; fluid 
extract of sarsaparilla, two ounces ; fluid extract of may apple 
root, one ounce ; tincture of buchu, two ounces ; glycerine, four 
ounces. Mix thoroughly and it is ready for use. 

Dose — Take one-fourth of a teaspoonful half an hour before 
dinner and half an hour before supper, every day for three 



676 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

days. Then take one teaspoonful every third to every fourth 
night so long as needed. If the case is not out of the reach of 
benefit from medicine, disappointment will not be experienced 
from taking this remedy. 

SYRUP FOR CHOLERA INFANTUM OF BABIES. 

Take white oak bark and wild cherry bark, of each half an 
ounce; pour over this a pint of boiling water and let it boil 
up briskly once. Remove it from the fire and strain it. Add 
sugar to near make it a syrup. Then add two ounces of cas- 
tor oil, four drachms of essence of peppermint, one drachm of 
essence of cinnamon, one drachm of tincture of golden seal, and 
one-half drachm of tincture of ginger. Mix well together. To 
a child a year old, give a teaspoonful of the mixture morning 
and evening. 

SOOTHING SYRUP. 

A syrup that is valuable for babies may be made at home 
as follows : Take about eight ounces of catnip, the leaves and 
tops, newly gathered while in bloom preferred. Place them in 
a jar and cover with a pint and a half of proof spirits, close 
and let remain for from five to eight days. Press out the dregs 
well. This preparation may be bottled to use when needed. 
When wanted to use, add one ounce of the above tincture to 
three ounces of simple syrup. This forms a soothing syrup 
that is good for babies. To a baby six weeks to two months 
old, half a teaspoonful may be given. 

It quiets colic, and as a diaphoretic it is valuable in colds 
and fevers. 



VARIOUS SYRUPS. 677 

[In making any of the following preparations, smaller or 
larger quantities may be used, but the same proportions, 
must be kept.] 

SYRUP OF YELLOW DOCK. 

Take yellow dock, two pounds; false bittersweet, one 
pound ; sugar sixteen pounds ; water, seven quarts ; and alco- 
holic tincture of capsicum, four ounces. The yellow dock and 
bittersweet may be placed in a porcelain lined vessel, the water 
poured over it boiling hot, and permitted to boil for five min- 
utes, keep hot for two hours, then filter or strain. Add the 
sugar, and let it boil up a minute, removing any scum that 
may arise; let cool a few minutes, add the tincture of capsi- 
cum, and pour it into a bottle when it is ready for use. Keep 
it well corked. The dose for an adult is a teaspoonful, three 
times a day. This has been long used as a remedy for scrofula, 
boils and dropsy. The yellow dock and bittersweet may be 
obtained coarsely broken at any drug store, also, the tincture 
of capsicum can be obtained ready for use. 

SYRUP OF SQUILLS. 

Take vinegar of squills, eight fluid ounces ; sugar one pound. 
Mix by gentle heat till the sugar dissolves. This is valuable 
as an expectorant in coughs and catarrhs, and as an emetic in 
affections of the air passages of infants. Dose for an adult, a 
teaspoonful, three or four times a day. Children in proportion 
to age, and as often as necessary. 

HORSERADISH SYRUP. 

Pour a pint of boiling water on two ounces of grated 
horseradish root, let it boil for five minutes. Strain it and add 
a pound of sugar, let it boil up, and skim it if necessarjr, re- 
move from the fire when it is ready for use. Dose for an adult, 



678 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

a teaspoonful two or three times a day. Valuable in chronic 
irritation of the throat, catarrh, and obstinate colds and 
hoarseness. 

SYRUP OF GARLIC. 

Take bruised garlic bulbs, one ounce ; boil it in two ounces 
of water, for ten minutes ; remove the garlic and add two 
ounces of sugar and dissolve by gentle heat. Useful for catar- 
rhal affections of infants, and for coughs. Also, useful for these 
affections in senility, having proved successful when other rem- 
edies have failed in some cases. Vinegar may be used instead 
of water. It is a mild stimulant to the nerves. Give often as 
necessary. A teaspoonful may be given to a child under one 
year old. 

Onions may be used in the same way as the garlic, and 
makes a valuable preparation for the colds, coughs and hoarse- 
ness of children under ten years old. 

SYRUP OF LOBELIA. 

Take vinegar of lobelia, eight ounces; and sugar, one 
pound and a half. Mix and dissolve by gentle heat, keeping 
it hot for an hour or more, removing any scum that may 
arise. Remove from the fire and it is ready for use. This is 
found useful in those "stuffy" colds, cold on the lungs, and 
catarrh of children, threatening croup, and especially very 
young children. Dose for a child a year old, a teaspoonful as 
often as necessary — every half-hour in great severity, to one 
hour, lengthening the time as betterment ensues. 

SYRUP OF HOREHOUND. 

As much leaves of horehound, fresh gathered or dried, as 
can be put in a cup, fill the cup full of boiling water, and let 
it boil for ten minutes ; then strain it, and add sufficient honey 



VARIOUS SYRUPS. 679 

or sugar to make a sj^rup. I have given this preparation in 
cases of obstinate cough accompanied with a tingling soreness 
in the throat and over the lungs in children, obtaining good 
results which other remedies had refused to give. Dose of the 
preparation for a child five years old, a teasponful, four or 
five times a day. 

SYRUP OF WILD CHERRY. 

Take one pound of coarsely ground, or broken bark of wild 
cherry, add to it a quart of water and boil it for fifteen min- 
utes ; then strain it, and add equal parts of honey and sugar 
to make a syrup, boil five minutes, remove any scum that may 
arise, remove from the fire and add one drachm of tincture of 
capsicum, and it is ready for use. This is a valuable sedative 
tonic, for those atonic conditions accompanying affections of 
the lungs, also as an aid to convalescence from long continued 
or low fevers. Dose : A tespoonful three times a day, before 
meals; children in proportion to age. 

SYRUP OF GINGER. 
Add two fluid ounces of the best tincture of ginger, to two 
pints of simple syrup. The dose for an adult is a tablespoon- 
ful three times a day, or as often as necessary. To children in 
proportion to age. To a child ten months old, one-fourth of a 
teaspoonful may be given three times a day. It removes flatu- 
lency, and gives tone to the stomach and bowels. A heaped 
teaspoonful of the ginger in powder may be added to the 
syrup, if the tincture can not be easily obtained. 

LEMON SYRUP. 
Take simple syrup, one pint ; citric acid, one drachm. Mix, 
and add fifteen to twenty drops of oil of lemon. This makes a 
refrigerating drink, added to water or other fluids, for the sick. 
Fresh lemon juice is superior to citric acid. 



680 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

SYRUP OF BALSAM PERU. 

Add one fluid ounce of balsam peru to warm simple syrup, 
two pints. Mix thoroughly together. The dose for an adult 
is a teaspoonful three or four times a day. Children in pro- 
portion to age. Useful in laryngial affections, chronic catarrh, 
cough and bronchitis. 

COFFEE SYRUP. 

Take of coffee, roasted and ground, one pound ; add one and 
a half quarts of boiling water and boil this briskly for ten 
minutes; set it aside for ten minutes, then strain it. Take 
eight pounds of simple syrup and reduce it to six pounds by 
boiling, removing any scum that may arise. Then add the cof- 
fee infusion, and when sufficiently cool, pour it in a jar, close 
it and keep it in a cool place. It is ready for use. It keeps 
suitable for use for a long time. Two tablespoonfuls added to 
a cup of boiling water and an addition of sweet cream or milk 
makes a palative drink. This is beneficial in cases of typhoid 
fever, cholera infantum and any wasting diseases. It is con- 
venient for use for camping out and picnic parties. 

SYRUP OF TOLU. 

This can be made by adding one and a half fluid ounces of 
tincture of tolu to a pint of simple syrup. Dose, from a fourth 
of a teaspoonful to a spoonful, for an adult, three to four 
times a day. Children in proportion to age. Useful in coughs, 
and to add taste to other medicines. 

COUGH MIXTURE. 

Take pure hog's lard or unsalted butter, sorghum molasses, 
strong apple vinegar, of each, two tablespoonfuls ; alum, one- 
eighth a teaspoonful; licorice, one-fourth of teaspoonful. Mix. 
This is an old domestic remedy, much used by country moth- 



VARIOUS SYRUPS. 681 

ers, twenty years ago for relieving children of that harsh, 
hoarse, croupy cough appearing among children after an out 
day's exposure on a sudden colding of the weather, this cough 
manifesting about bed time, when everybody wanted to go to 
bed, about midnight its discordant music rang out. There is 
no doubt that many a child's life was saved by its adminis- 
tration. 

CREAM SYRUP. 

Take pure sweet cream, and simple syrup, equal parts. 
Mix. To a pint, add a teaspoonful of vanilla flavoring, pine 
apple, or sherry wine. It is nutritious and palatable, and may 
be partaken of alone, or used to accompany -well cooked rice, 
rice flour, tapioca, or with fruits. 

Dissolve fourteen pounds of powdered white sugar, in one 
gallon of sweet cream without heat. Bottle, or close in glass 
jars, and place on ice. It will keep eight or ten days. Serve 
with any kind of fruit, which may be frozen in the syrup if 
liked. 

NECTAR CREAM. 

Cream syrup, six pints; essence of vanilla, one teaspoonful; 
essence of lemon, a teaspoonful ; sherry wine, one gill, and pine 
apple syrup, one pint. Mix, and give a suggestion of color 
with cochineal, if desired, and freeze. 

LOTIONS.— WASHES. 

[These preparations comprise infusions, teas, and solutions 
for external applications, when it is necessary to apply medi- 
cines in that way.] 

GOLDEN SEAL LOTION. 

Golden seal a teaspoonful, added to a pint of boiling water 
and permitted to boil up brisk a minute, remove from the fire 



682 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

let it stand a few minutes, then strain it. This makes an ex- 
cellent application, or wash, in many cases of sore eyes; also 
it is a good wash for many other sores. 

EYE WASH. 

Spirits of camphor, ten drops, added to half a teacupful of 
water, makes a valuable wash or bath for inflammations and 
granulations about and in the eyes. It should be administered 
morning and evening, and a little should be permitted to enter 
the eyes. Upon this first entering the eyes a burning sensation 
is experienced, but in a minute or two this is followed by a 
most soothing relief, and this by a general betterment, a real 
progressing improvement. 

WASH FOR SORE MOUTH. 

Take sage leaves, dried or fresh picked, as much as will fill 
a pint cup; fill the cup with boiling water and permit it to 
boil three to Hyc minutes. Remove it from the fire and strain 
it ; add sufficient sugar to make it near a syrup ; add half a 
teaspoonful of golden seal in powder, and half as much borax 
in powder. It is now ready for use. There is nothing among 
remedies of which the writer knows, that at all approximates 
this for curing the sore mouth of infants, called thrush, which 
ailment is frequently mistaken for cholera infantum. It is also 
useful as a gargle in conditions of sore throat, inflamed tonsils, 
uvula, and adjacent parts. When the child is old enough to 
do so, it may gargle a portion of the remedy, but when such 
is not the case, it may be applied by means of a cloth over 
the finger, or by a mop-swab, as for washing out the throat 
of the child, if the throat be sore. It is not harmful and may 
be used freely. 



LOTIONS, WASHES— FOMENTATIONS, POULTICES. 683 

GOLDEN SEAL AND GUN POWDER LOTION. 

Take a strong decoction of green tea (table tea) and golden 
seal tea, of each, half a pint; add gun powder and sulphate of 
zinc, of each, one drachm. Mix all together and let stand 
twenty four hours, and then strain off the clear liquid, which 
is the part used. It is valuable for sore eyes of long duration. 

It is positively claimed that it will remove the white spots 
that sometimes are seen to appear on the cornea. 

The preparation has been much, used in domestic practice. 
The original prescription, somewhat varying from the above in 
minor ways, was first given in Prof. John King, M. D.'s old 
Family Practice, a book he wrote for family use many years 
ago, and although it is now behind the times, no other work 
of the kind has ever been sent out that at all approximated it 
in value, until the publication of this Medical Adviser. 

BATH FOR SPRAINS, ETC. 

Brandy, vinegar and water, of each, two ounces; salt, a 
heaped tablespoonful. Mix. This is valuable for bathing 
swelled or sprained parts. It should be applied hot. 

FOMENTATIONS.-POULTICES. 

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

Fomentations or poultices are used for relaxing and reliev- 
ing affected parts by aiding in relieving congestion, favoring 
circulation and lessening pain in the injured, swelled and in- 
flamed parts. For this purpose hot water, hops, tansy, mint, 
feverfew, sage, bran, capsicum, lobelia, arnica, slippery elm, 
mullein, mustard, beans, potatoes, linseed meal, corn meal, and 
bread and milk are used. The application should be made hot. 

Any of the herbs used for this purpose may be placed in a 
container, a silk or woolen fabric made into a bag, serves the 
best utility for this purpose, and the end sewed or tied. Then 



684 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the container Held in boiling water for a few minutes, the sur- 
plus water squeezed out, the poultice applied to the affected 
part desired to be relieved, over the abdomen, the chest, or it 
may be bound to a bruised, sprained, or swelled joint. 

An excellent application and one that retains heat and use- 
fulness quite well, also adapted to remain in place and shape, 
is made by adding as much hops, or other herb desired to be 
used, to a quart of vinegar, as it will take up, and then add 
corn meal to obtain the consistence of mush. It may then be 
placed in a container and applied. The poultice should be one 
or two inches thick. 

Another excellent application is composed of bran, to each 
quart of which has been added one teaspoonful each of 
capsicum and lobelia in powder, thoroughly mixing these in 
the bran, then moisten with boiling hot vinegar or water. 
Place it in a container and apply hot as can be borne. This is 
an excellent application over the chest in inflammation of the 
the lungs, over the throat in conditions of sore throat, and 
over the abdomen in colic, or inflammation of the bowels. In 
conditions of inflammation of the bladder, a handful of buchu 
leaves added to the above mixture, and the poultice applied 
over the region of the bladder, gives a quick and excellent 
relief. 

Teas may be made from any of the above herbs, kept hot, 
and applied by means of a mat, a thick woolen cloth folded 
five or six thicknesses. This mat may be dipped into the hot 
tea, the excess squeezed from it, and then applied to the part 
desired to be relieved. Hot water may be applied in the same 
way. 

Hops and boneset, mixed with corn meal sufficient, and 
moistened with hot vinegar or water, forms an excellent ap- 



FOMENTATIONS— POULTICES. 685 

plication over the lungs in conditions of inflammation or over 
the throat. 

Potatotes for poultices are cooked with the skins on, 
mashed with a fork, and moistened sufficiently with water in 
which they were cooked. Valuable for app^ing to some condi- 
tions of itching and swellings, especially those appearing about 
the feet and ankles of some people advanced in age. 

SLIPPERY ELM POULTICE. 

Slippery elm bark meal is moistened "with hot water to the 
proper consistence for making this poultice. A little lobelia 
and capsicum in powder added, improves its efficacy. It is 
valuable for hastening the evacuation of boils, to reduce some 
types of swellings, to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and 
favor repair in conditions of ulcers and painful tumors. 

FIG POULTICE. 
Boiled or roasted figs have been recommended as an ex- 
cellent application to boils, buboes, carbuncles, etc. 

ANOTHER POULTICE. 
Vervain, senna, and white pepper, equal parts, mixed with 
the white of egg, is recommended to allay pain and promote 
the absorption of effused blood in conditions of bruise. Apply 
to the part as a plaster, and renew sufficiently often to pre- 
vent drying. 

HOT WATER FOR HURTS. 

Hot water, hot as can be borne, either alone or combined 
with equal parts of spirits of camphor and essence of pepper- 
mint, the affected part immersed in it, or applied by means of 
a silk or woolen mat, as above directed gives speedy relief 
from pain, removes soreness, relieves swellings from bruises 
and sprains, and removes discolorations. In all cases where a 



686 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

bruise has been of much severity, there is destruction of tissue, 
and the tissue so destroyed — or so killed, must be eliminated, 
must be carried off by means of the circulation — and in condi- 
tions of great degrees of severity it takes time to do this, as 
there is no magic way of doing it. Bathings in hot water ap- 
plications of equal parts of spirits of turpentine, spirits of 
camphor and essence of peppermint, frequently applied, a 
little castor oil added should disposition to blister manifest, 
and sweating, are the very best aids in favoring the remov- 
al, and also the surest means of preventing blood-poison. 

ROTTEN APPLE FOR HURTS. 

Rotten apple has been recommended for removing soreness 
from injured and bruised parts. 

It is said that if molasses is used to moisten mustard for 
a plaster, that it will heat without blistering. For purposes 
of neatness a very thin cloth may be placed next the skin. 

Mustard, the ground seeds, two parts, and flour one part, 
mixed with equal parts of vinegar and water, and applied 
direct to the skin gives the most speedy relief from pain, and 
removes discoloration from injuries and bruises. It is of ex- 
cellent value as an application in the sickness called milk-leg. 

THE HOT SAND BAGS. 

The sand bag is superior to the bricks, glass bottles, or 
irons, for applying heat not only to the feet, but to any part 
of the body. The sand holds heat splendidly, and it is soft 
and conforms to different positions, hence it may be placed 
or tucked anywhere about the sufferer without danger of hurt- 
ing the patient in any way. 

The sand may be dried and well heated by placing it in 
a pan and placing it in the oven of the stove, or, it may be 
dried and heated in a kettle placed over the fire. 



INJECTIONS. 687 

INJECTIONS. 

Injections may be composed of plain hot water or may con- 
tain some medicine of some sort ; they are designed to be in- 
troduced into the rectum or lower bowel, and the urinary and 
vaginal parts, per mouth of these organs. They are valuable 
in the treatment of many diseases, in fact there are some con- 
ditions of disease that are not readily and permanently treated 
without them. Injections per rectum are valuable in all forms 
of fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, cholera infantum, cholera 
morbus, bilious colic and cramp colic, and constipated condi- 
tions of the bowels. 

Plain hot water, from a pint to a quart, according to the 
age and the size of the patient, is valuable in all fevers, di- 
arrhea, dysentery, cholera, cholera infantum, cholera morbus, 
bleedings from the bowels, constipated condition of the bowels, 
and cramp and bilious colic. In hemorrhage from the bowels, 
hot water, a quart, turpentine one fourth of an ounce, and 
sweet oil or castor oil one ounce, used as injection per rectum 
and repeated in two hours, if necessary, gives the desired relief. 
The above has caused the expulsion of tape worm and other 
worms. Hot water a quart and glycerine an ounce, mixed, 
makes a valuable injection in cases of obstinate constipation. 
A soapy water may be used in some cases. 

For the removal of pin worms, take of mandrake, half an 
ounce; and quassia in coarse powder, an ounce. Add boiling 
water, two pints, and let boil five minutes. Then strain it. A 
gill of this may be used for a child three or four years old. 
For an adult, one pint for an injection, and repeated in six 
hours if necessary. This remedy was first recommended by 
Prof. John King, M. D. many years ago. 

Hot water, a quart, to which has been added a fourth of 
an ounce of turpentine, has been used for the successful removal 



688 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

of pin worms. It was first used by accident for itching of the 
rectum, with the result of the removal of pin worms. 

ANTI-SPASMODIC INJECTION. 
To one quart of hot water add tincture of 
lobelia and tincture of capsicum of each, one drachm. 
Use hot as can be borne. For an infant, a gill of the 
preparation may be used; for an older child, half a pint; and 
for an adult, use a pint as injection per rectum. This is valu- 
able and may be used in all cases of spasmodic action, convul- 
sions, in epilepsy, in lock-jaw, or conditions of rigidity when 
relaxation is necessary. It may be repeated in twenty or forty 
minutes if necessary, if the severity of the case requires it. 

A strong infusion or tea of white oak bark serves a most 
excellent curative purpose in many annoyances. Its value de- 
pends on its astringent and tonic properties. And on this ac- 
count it gives a curative effect in conditions of leucorrhea, gleet 
and gonorrhea ; and because of these same properties it is also 
valuable in curing the diarrheas of children which occur during 
the summer months, chiefly due to the prostrating influence of 
the heat. 

In those conditions where children affected with summer 
diarrheas present great flaccidity of the tissues and un- 
due moisture, which is usually the case in these conditions, a 
teaspoonful of the tea may be given to the little one by mouth 
once a day. A gill of the tea may be added to the hot water 
used for sponging the body. In all of the above described con- 
ditions there is undue relaxation of the mucous membrane and 
too profuse secretion, showing deficiency of tone, in all of which 
conditions this remedy gives the desired relief and cure. 

Golden seal, a teaspoonful added to a pint of boiling water, 
let it stand for an hour where it will remain hot, remove it 
from the fire and strain it; then add one grain of sulphate of 



INFUSIONS— DECOCTIONS. 689 

zinc. This preparation makes the best and speediest curative 
injection in conditions of leucorrhea or whites, in inflamed con- 
ditions of the inner walls of these parts, from which discharges 
appear, and in ulcerated conditions ; also for condition of gon- 
orrhea and gleet. Use the injections as hot as can be borne 
and repeat it once a day to twice a -week so long as necessary. 

INFUSIONS.— DECOCTIONS. 

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

Elaboration in pharmaceutical preparations is not always 
an improvement, in fact is frequently an impairment or perver- 
sion of the best and most desirable properties of the drug. 
Elaboration in pharmacy has become almost a fad, much to 
the detriment of many valuable remedies, as well as injury and 
injustice to patients. While remedies so prepared may exhibit 
a more refined appearance than an infusion or decoction, much 
disappointment is met in administering many of them that is 
not realized in the administration of the more simply prepared 
decoction or infusion. Alcoholic preparations many times 
certainly do not contain the medicinal property of the drug, 
and to this is probably due in many cases the failures to cure 
by administering them, and doubtless to this also is due the 
large quantity of drugs consumed annually without giving a 
proportionate curative result. People have been led to believe 
that nothing but "shop made stuffs" are of any value, which 
is a grave mistake, and frequently to their own disadvantage. 
But this is not to imply that a person may boil up everything 
of which he may hear, and fill his system with that of which 
nothing is known of its properties. 

There is a vast superfluity of preparations — preparations 
of no utility whatever, as well as many that are harmful, and 

31— 



690 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

quite a few that are really a reproach to any pretensions of 
knowledge of curative remedies. 

The value of many good remedies administered in so crude 
a form as a decoction seems to be, is not purely imaginary, 
but will give unmistakably good results. Every family can 
supply itself with many valuable remedies and prepare them 
in an infusion or tea, for preventing serious attacks of sickness 
and for curing many ailments, much to its own betterment 
in every way. 

In preparing these teas the amount of drug used is usually 
from an ounce and a half to two ounces to a pint of water. 
The dose is from a fourth of a .teaspoonful of the tea or infu- 
sion, to a cupful, according to what the remedy is, the age of 
the person taking it, and the effect desired to produce. 

Infusions are usually made by adding boiling water to the 
medicinal agents and permitting them to keep hot for some 
time though not boiling. Some medicines are more valuable 
prepared in this way than any other. The only objection is 
that it must be taken in larger doses, or quantity, though this 
is of no importance, for if a person wants to get well, this is 
a small matter to squabble about. 

INFUSION OF SAGE. 

Take sage leaves and hysop leaves, of each half an ounce ; 
add to them a pint of boiling water, let keep hot for thirty 
minutes, or boil up for five minutes; then strain it and add 
honey or sugar sufficient to make a syrup and add an even 
teaspoonful of borax. This is valuable in any type of sore 
throat as a gargle, or as a wash used or applied by means of 
a mop-swab, and for a wash for sore mouth this is suitable 
for persons of any age. 



INFUSIONS. 691 

HOARHOUND TEA. 

Hoarhound tea or infusion is an old domestic remedy, and 
one that age of knowledge of it has not impaired its value. 
Taken hot it produces perspiration, and from this influence it 
is beneficial in colds, hoarseness and coughs from cold.. After 
drinking the tea, if the body is kept cool for a while, it is said 
that its effect is to increase the flow of urine, and on this ac- 
count it is of value in conditions of dropsy and other kidney 
troubles. About a fluid ounce, two or three times a day, is the 
dose and frequency of taking for an adult. A strong tea made, 
and honey or sugar added to make a syrup, makes a valuable 
remedy for children affected with colds, coughs and hoarseness. 
A tablespoonful is a dose for a child from three to five years 
old. 

COMPOUND INFUSION OF PARSLEY. 

Take of parsley, roots and seeds, one ounce ; squill, juniper 
berries, white mustard, mandrake root, and queen of the mead- 
ow root, of each one ounce. Crush the mustard seeds, and the 
other articles can be procured from the drug store in coarse 
powders, or coarsely broken preferred; place them in a porce- 
lain vessel and add three quarts of boiling vinegar, close the 
vessel and expose it to moderate heat for twenty-four or thirty 
hours. Do not permit it to boil. Remove from the fire and 
bottle drugs and liquid together. The vinegar or cider must 
be the apple cider or vinegar, and must not be too hard nor 
too new, but sparkling and pleasantly tart. This is useful in 
dropsies, increasing the eliminating and excreting function of 
the urinary organs, regulating the habits of the bowels, im- 
proves the digestive function and promotes the activity of the 
absorbent vessels. It is best taken in doses of about one-fourth 
of an ounce every third day. This preparation is a modified 
preparation from one originally used by Prof. John King, M. D., 



692 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

many years ago. In addition to it being beneficial in condi- 
tions of dropsy, it is valuable to those persons exhibiting an 
engorgement of the system, which is manifested by great prom- 
inence of the abdomen and the general body presenting a 
swelled or stuffed appearance. 

LINIMENTS. 

[Liniments are a combination of remedial agents for local 
application to pain, swelled, inflamed or torpid parts, rheum- 
atism, and various aches and pains, these preparations fre- 
quently being a boon in a family.] 

STILLINGIA LINIMENT. 

Take of oil of stillingia, four ounces ; oil of cajeput, two 
drachms; oil of lobelia, one drachm, and alcohol, one ounce. 
Mix. This may be applied over the outside of the throat, and 
well around the ears, over the region of the tonsils, over the 
chest and down between the shoulders, in any condition of 
sore throat, especially of diphtheria and enlarged tonsils, 
asthma, or lung troubles. The above is a modified and im- 
proved preparation for the stillingia liniment. 

COMPOUND STILLINGIA AND SALT PETRE LINIMENT. 

Take of oil of stillingia, four ounces; oil of cajeput, two 
drachms; oil of lobelia, one drachm; alcohol and spirits of 
camphor, of each, an ounce ; aqua ammonia, one-fourth of an 
ounce; and two tablespoonfuls of salt petre, and essence of 
peppermint, four ounces. In addition to the above uses, in 
conditions of sore throat, or enlarged tonsils, even where the 
tonsils are about swollen together, it rapidly reduces the 
swellings. It also serves a good purpose applied to swelled 
joints and rheumatic aches and pains. Apply it three or four 
times a day. 



LINIMENTS. 693 

A LINIMENT FOR ALL AROUND PURPOSES, IN 

A FAMILY. 

Take spirits of turpentine, six ounces; aqua ammonia, and 
spirits of camphor, of each, three ounces ; tincture of capsicum, 
two ounces ; salt petre, four teaspoonfuls ; and oil of pepper- 
mint, one ounce, and vaseline, two ounces. Mix well. I know 
of no preparation for local use that reduces swellings as quick 
as this liniment. It is useful in cases of diphtheria, enlarged 
tonsils, common sore throat, rheumatic swellings, sprains, 
bruises and any aches and pains for which a liniment may be 
used. 

AMMONIA LINIMENT. 

Take aqua ammonia, spirits of camphor, spirits of turpen- 
tine, and vaseline, of each, two ounces. Mix. This is valu- 
able as an application to sprains, bruises, rheumatic aches and 
swellings, swelled tonsils. 

A CHEAP LINIMENT. 

Dissolve one ounce of camphor gum in a pint of coal oil. 
Apply it externally. It gives relief to many aches and pains. 
A little castor oil may be added to prevent blistering, as coal 
oil blisters some sensitive skins. 

RHEUMATIC LINIMENT. 

Oil of peppermint, two drachms; saltpetre, one half an 
ounce ; and sweet oil, half a pint. Mix and apply twice daily. 

A DIFFUSIVE LINIMENT. 

Alcohol and spirits of turpentine, of each a pint ; saltpetre, 
camphor gum and salt, of each, two ounces ; and water, half 
a pint. Mix, and shake the bottle each time before using. 



694 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

LINIMENT FOR STIFF JOINTS. 

A tablespoonful of capsicum added to a quart of vinegar, 
is hardly equaled for relieving rheumatic aches and swellings, 
sciatica, lumbago, swelled and stiff joints, and contracted joints. 

ANOTHER LINIMENT FOR STIFF JOINTS. 

Oil of spike, six ounces ; spirits of camphor and spirits of 
turpentine, of each two ounces; tincture of capsicum four 
ounces; and oil of cedar two ounces. Mix. This is an excel- 
lent nerve and bone liniment. 

A STIMULATION FOR STIFF JOINTS. 

Take olive oil, three ounces ; oil of peppermint, one-half an 
ounce ; tincture of capsicum, one drachm ; spirits of turpentine 
and spirits of camphor, of each two ounces; glycerine, four 
ounces. Mix, and apply freely all the stiff joints or swellings 
will take up, morning and night. This liniment is also valuable 
applied all over the abdomen in conditions of cholera infantum, 
cholera, peritonitis, and other abdominal troubles, once or 
twice a day, according to the severity. 

AN EXCELLENT LINIMENT FOR STIFF JOINTS. 

Take essence of peppermint, four ounces ; spirits of camphor, 
one ounce, glycerine and castor oil, of each, three ounces. Mix. 
This is invaluable as a local application in conditions of cold, 
sore throat of any type, enlarged tonsils, ear ache, applied 
around the ear and applied on cotton in the ear, applied over 
the region of the lungs in pneumonia, lung fever, over the nose, 
up between the eyes and over the forehead in colds, and ap- 
plied over swelled joints, sprains, over swelled, sore, painful 
and aching parts of any part of the body. 



LINIMENTS. 695 

A FAMILY LINIMENT. 

Take spirits of camphor, aqua amonia, tincture of arnica, 
spirits of turpentine, of each, one ounce ; essence of peppermint, 
two ounces ; tincture of capsicum, half an ounce ; castor oil, 
half an ounce ; chloroform, one ounce. Mix and it is ready for 
use. 

This is a most efficient pain banisher, in any painful swel- 
lings, bruises and soreness consequent, and numerous other 
uses will be found for it, and once used in a family they will 
not be found without it. 

EVERYBODY'S LINIMENT. 

Take spirits of camphor, one ounce ; glycerine, four ounces ; 
oil of cedar, one ounce ; aqua ammonia, two ounces ; lauda- 
num, one ounce; and essence of peppermint, four ounces. Mix 
and it is ready for use. Inflammatory or edematous swellings, 
in tonsilitis, sore throat, diphtheria, pluritis, pneumonia, peri- 
tonitis or child-bed fever, strains, sprains and felons, it removes 
the congestion and engorgement from the parts affected and 
favors nature in letting the blood circulate to and in the 
affected part on its mission of healing. It is invaluable ap- 
plied to boils, carbuncles, and formative abscesses when they 
have not opened their faces. Use the glycerine alone in all cases 
where there are open sores. It relieves suffering quickly, has- 
tens and promotes a cure. It is diffusive and its effect is im- 
mediately experienced, and its benefit continues. 

COAL OIL, ITS VARIOUS USES, OLD AND NEW. 

Coal oil, in addition to its usefulness in lighting our dwell- 
ings, appears to be gaining prominence as a remedial agent — 
appears to be shaking off its uncanny garb of being dubbed 
"the old woman's remedy," and is assuming the more digni- 
fied (?) position, perhaps, of a scientific remedy; but whether 



696 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

it will retain its usefulness, should it ever become fully initiated 
into the scientific ranks, remains to be seen, as many remedies 
that when they were wearing their old homely garb of ' 'do- 
mestic remedy," seemed to be more potent than since they 
have sold their birthright. 

Its use has been experimented with in cases of consump- 
tives. It was claimed that twenty drops taken once a day 
disperses obstinate constipation. Also that taking it for eight 
or ten days was followed by a feeling of betterment through- 
out the system. 

It is quite a utility article for cleansing about the house 
wherein we eat and stay — part of the time. For cleaning oil- 
cloths, it is effective and does not destroy the face-finish, as 
does soap and other like preparations. The sewing machine 
runs more smoothly after having been cleaned with it, and its 
parts wiped free from it, then oiled. The obstinate, sticky 
accumulations in the wash basins or bath tubs are quickly 
removed by its application. 

OINTMENTS, OR SALVES. 

These are remedies for applications to sores of various 
kinds, ulcers, boils, bruises, swellings, felons, and like mani- 
festations. They are constituted of certain medicines incorpo- 
rated into some fatty or oily materials. If kept too long some 
of them become unfit for use, as age impairs the properties of 
some remedies. The fatty pabulum may become rancid from 
age. Pure hog's lard, beeswax, vaseline and castor oil form 
the best pabulum for most all ointments. 

CAMPHORATED VASELINE. 

Vaseline, one pint; camphor gum, two ounces. Mix well 
by gentle heat. 



OINTMENTS. 697 

This forms a curative dressing to many hurts, chafed skin, 
chapped hands and face, and cold sores in the nasal cavities, 
and on the face and lips. Essence of peppermint greatly im- 
proves its curative properties. Two ounces added to the 
above quantity, is sufficient. 

RESORCIN OINTMENT. 

Take resorcin, two grains; lard, one ounce; yellow bees- 
wax, a fourth of an ounce . Melt the wax and lard together 
by mild heat, remove from the fire, and when it has cooled a 
little, add the resorcin and stir till cold. This forms a sooth- 
ing and healing application to sores about the ears and nose 
of children, and pimply eruptions about the face which some- 
times annoy young girls and young boys. Also, dry rough-like 
soreness which sometimes appears on the scalp. The parts 
must be washed with castile soap and water before applying 
the ointment. 

A HEALING OINTMENT. 

Glycerine, two ounces ; capsicum, one-fourth of an even tea- 
spoonful; golden seal an even teaspoonful. Mix. This is an 
excellent application to any slow healing sores. 

SOOTHING OINTMENT. 

Take simple cerate, bees-wax and rosin, of each, two 
ounces. Mix by mild heat. Remove it from the fire and thor- 
oughly mix into it, two ounces of gum camphor, half an 
ounce of laudanum and one drachm of oil of peppermint, and 
stir till cold. The camphor gum must be shaved fine that it 
may dissolve quickly, and should be put in the mixture suffi- 
ciently long enough to dissolve before the other remedies are 
added. This ointment is a healing and soothing preparation 
for sores of almost any variety, boils, carbuncles, painful 



689 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ulcers, cuts, and any wound that disposes to be painful or 
slow healing. 

Cleanse the part affected with water and castile soap be- 
fore applying the ointment. 

DOMESTIC SALVE. 

Take pure hog's lard, four ounces; camphor gum, two 
ounces; rosin and bees- wax, of each two ounces; turpentine, 
one drachm ; laudanum, half an ounce ; oil of peppermint, two 
drachms. Mix by mild heat the lard, beeswax and rosin; re- 
move from the fire and while hot shave finely the camphor 
gum and permit it to dissolve; then when it is cooling add 
the other remedies and stir it till cold, when it is ready for 
use. Place it in a large mouth glass jar and keep closed when 
not using from it. It is valuable in the above conditions, and 
in almost any condition where an ointment is needed. 

STICKING SALVE. 

Take rosin, ten ounces ; mutton tallow, two ounces ; bees- 
wax, one ounce; dissolve these together by mild heat, remove 
from the fire, and while it is hot add two ounces of camphor 
gum shaved fine, and permit it to dissolve; then add half an 
ounce of laudanum and two drachms of oil of peppermint, 
continually stirring while adding them, and stir till cool. Then 
dip it in water and make it into a roll. It may then be cov- 
ered with a piece of cheese cloth or other cloth as desired. 
When using it apply a portion sufficient on a piece of clean 
cloth, and place it smoothly over the affected part. 

This is a valuable application to boils, carbuncles, chaps, 
cracks or fissures and sores, especially those from exposures to 
cold, abrasions and injuries to the hands so common to labor- 
ers, and in husking corn, handling the dry fodder and the other 
dry feeds, and many other hurts. 



OINTMENTS. 699 

OINTMENT FOR SALT RHEUM AND VARIOUS SORES 

ON THE HEAD. 

Take sweet oil, a pint ; sal ammoniac (chrystals), two ounces ; 
mutton tallow, three pounds ; bees-wax, one-fourth of a pound ; 
rosin, half a pound. Mix the rosin, bees- wax and mutton tal- 
low by moderate heat; then remove it from the fire, dissolve 
the sal ammoniac in just sufficient water to dissolve it, add 
to it the other mixture, and stir all well together. 

This cures some cases of salt rheum, and sores about the 
head. Wash the parts before applying it. 

POKE OINTMENT. 

Take extract of poke, one drachm, soften it with a little 
water, if necessary, and mix it thoroughly with one ounce of 
lard. This has been recommended as being valuable in malig- 
nant ulcers, scald head and itch. The writer has known of it 
curing itch and dry scald head. It may be profitably applied 
to swelled and stiff joints. 

OINTMENT OF ST. JOHN'S WORT AND STRAMONIUM. 

Take the tops and flowers of St. John's wort and the leaves 
of stramonium, of each half a pound, and simmer in one pound 
of pure hog's lard for half an hour. Strain it and add two 
drachms of oil of peppermint, constantly stirring it till quite 
cool to mix well, then place it in a jar for use. Apply it hot. 
This is valuable to apply to any hard tumors, as caked breasts, 
over the region of enlarged tonsils, over swellings from sprains. 
Applied to bruised and discolored parts, it is said to remove 
discoloration and relieve soreness. 

SULPHATE OF ZINC OINTMENT. 

Take sulphate of zinc, one teaspoonful a little more than 
even; pure hog's lard, a large teacupful. Warm the lard to 



700 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

not completely dissolve, and then thoroughly mix the sulphate 
of zinc in it. Add fifteen drops of oil of lavender, and it is 
ready for use. 

This ointment applied from twice to once a week, will cure 
that form of scald head that manifests in open ulcerating, 
offensive sores, and will do so without the loss of the hair, 
without cutting the hair no matter how long it may be. The 
scalp must be washed with hot water and castile soap, and 
well dried before applying the ointment. Apply the ointment 
at night. This formula was given to me by my husband, Dr. 
Joseph Cobb, who I know had the above success with the 
remedy in the cases described above, as well as myself. Rarely 
more than two applications are necessary. 

OINTMENT FOR SCURFY SCALP. 

For removing a scurfy formation that sometimes manifests 
over the scalp of children's heads, and which cannot be defined 
as a special manifestation of disease, but rather an excess of 
oily secretion filled with dirt and permitted to remain, thus 
causing an excoriation. The following preparation cures the 
disturbance: Take vaseline, one ounce; resorcin, two grains. 
Mix well. Cleanse the parts with castile soap and water, dry 
and apply the ointment sufficient to moisten, let it remain for 
twenty-four hours, cleanse, and repeat the application if neces- 
sary. 

BALM OF GILEAD OINTMENT. 

Take any quantity of balm of gilead buds, place them in 
suitable vessel for stewing, and pour over the buds, equal 
parts of melted lard and sweet oil, sufficient to cover. Stew 
the mixture for ten minutes, press out the oil and bottle for 
use. It is useful for cuts, bruises and sores. 



OINTMENTS. 701 

OINTMENT FOR BRUISES. 

Take one drachm of oil of sweet almonds ; two ounces of 
lard, and one ounce of strong aqua ammonia. Mix the oil of 
almonds and lard by moderate heat, remove from the fire, and 
when slightly cold add the ammonia stirring while adding it 
to mix well. Keep it well corked and away from children. 
This preparation when applied to the surface of the body, ves- 
sicates quickly, and for this reason it has been used by some 
people to apply over badly bruised surfaces, and enlarged ton- 
sils to remove the tension from the part by withdrawing the 
fluid to the surface, thus giving relief. I have not used it. 

SULPHUR OINTMENT. 

Mix sufficient sulphur in any quantity of lard to make a 
thick ointment. This applied over swelled joints, neuralgia, 
sciatica, rheumatism, and gout pains, removes the swelling 
and relieves the pain, in some cases. 

WOOD SOOT OINTMENT. 

Take wood soot, one part; pure hog's lard, three parts by 
bulk. Mix well. This ointment has proved beneficial and cur- 
ative as a local application to papulous or pimply eruptions, 
itchings about the vulva, syphilitic ulcers, and various scrofu- 
lous sores, burns and scalds. 

ELDER SALVE. 

Cut finely the inner bark of elder, place it into a granite 
vessel, and cover the bark with equal parts of sweet oil and 
pure hog's lard, and let it simmer for half an hour; remove it 
from the fire, strain it and add one ounce of beeswax to a 
pint, and one ounce of pulverized camphor gum ; when this is 
dissolved place it in a large mouth bottle and keep it well 
closed. This is an old time domestic remedy, and is a valu- 



702 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

able preparation to have in a family, especially when there is 
growing children. Apply it to sores behind the ears, over the 
scalp, to open faced ulcers, and to sores. It is also a curative 
application to hemorrhoids or piles. 

FOR DRY TETTER. 
This affliction has proved very difficult and obstinate to 
cure, resisting various medications. The treatment that 
proved the most successful in permanently and quickly curing 
this disease, to my knowledge, is a homely one, and one not 
easily obtained. The remedy is the old fashioned indigo blue 
dye, of our grand-mother's day. Washing the afflicted parts 
three times a day, is the mode of using. Like the discoveries 
of many of our best remedies, the discovery was stumbled 
onto. The -writer obtained the information from an elderly 
lady who made the discovery as above stated. The method 
of preparing the dye, as the writer obtained it, is here given 
as it was obtained from its discoverer, for whoever is afflicted 
with this annoyance, certainly wants to be cured. The prep- 
aration of the remedy is as follows : Put one gallon of water 
into an iron kettle, add sufficient leached lye (from wood 
ashes) to make the water feel slightly slick as it is passed 
through the fingers; add to this, half a teacupful of red mad- 
der, and twice as much wheat bran from which the flour has 
been removed by sifting; confine a lump of indigo the size of 
an egg } and drop it into the mixture, cover it closely and set 
where it will keep warm till it smells strong, when it is ready 
for use. Use warm water in setting, or making it. Wash the 
afflicted parts with it at night before going to bed. 

SULPHUR OINTMENT FOR CURE OF THE 
"SEVEN YEARS ITCH." 
Take sulphur, two ounces; pure hog's lard, half a pound; 
soda, a heaped teaspoonful. Mix well. Wash the body with 



OINTMENTS. 703 

soap and water, dry it and apply the ointment freely. Admin- 
ister this just before going to bed ; sleep in a loose gown, and 
the next morning, with a dry cloth, wipe over the body, re- 
moving the little that may remain clinging, and dress. Repeat 
the washing at night and again apply the ointment and repeat 
so long as necessary. It is seldom that the third application 
does not effect a cure. The old-fashioned home-made soap serves 
best for these washings, if it can be had. 

FOR BARBER'S ITCH. 
Wash the parts with hot water and castile soap, then ap- 
ply to the affected parts the Soothing Ointment (see in this 
book), repeating the treatment as long as necessary. 

EVERY DAY SALVE. 

Mix by mild heat, twelve ounces of rosin; three ounces of 
each, of mutton tallow and beeswax. Remove from the fire, 
and while hot add two ounces of camphor gum crumbled 
or finely shaved, and when this is dissolved and the mixture 
is a little cool, add half an ounce of spirits of turpentine, half 
an ounce laudanum, one ounce of glycerine, and four drachms 
of oil of peppermint, stirring while adding to mix well. This 
should be formed into a stick shape and covered with cloth to 
keep it clean. 

This is a valuable and convenient sticking salve for dress- 
ing sores, boils, carbuncle, and wounds. It is applied by plac- 
ing sufficient on a cloth large enough to cover the affected 
part, over which it must be nicely smoothed, only permitting 
a little space uncovered for leakage, from the sore. 



PART NINTH. 



SOME CASES.— EMBODYING TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT OF 

DISEASES FREQUENTLY MET AND 

THEIR TREATMENT. 



A CASE OF SUPPOSED HEART TROUBLE. 

A man about forty years of age, of robust build, weight 
one hundred and ninety pounds. Health has been generally 
good till within a few months. Is not confined to bed, appe- 
tite good and feels well except a disagreeable fullness about 
the heart, and stinging numbness in the feet, especially soles 
of the feet. The patient has been a candidate for office and 
has just passed through a political campaign, his occupation 
being a commercial pursuit which confined him indoors. 

The above conditions are frequently met among the above 
class of people and especially among those burdened with excess 
of fat or lymph, and those disposed to take but little muscular 
exercise out in the fresh air, and to confine closely to business. 

The patient has been living fast, especially since entering 
the political campaign, has been thinking much, talking much, 
and eating too much; the engine has consumed at a rapid 
rate, leaving much ashes, soot, frazzles, and muck or gum, 
which not having been kept cleaned out has become a burden 
and a clog to the circulation, and the machine objects to run- 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 705 

ning under such pressure ; the attentions of the patient being 
so thoroughly and constantly occupied in other directions that 
keeping the machine clean was neglected, till the jog or re- 
minder came in the above unpleasant manifestations. 

The cleansing of the machine, clearing out of the rubbish, 
was the first need, followed by taking proper rest from the 
excitement and press of business, and muscular exercise en- 
gaged in to favor the system in ridding itself of the cloggings 
or detritus, thus affording the opportunity for the economy to 
gather up its energies for continuing life. This part of the 
treatment is essential to obtain a cure, the medicine is in aid. 
The following medicine gave the desired aid to get well: 
Glycerine, and simple syrup, of each, three ounces; tincture of 
buchu, one ounce; sweet spirits of nitre, one half an ounce; 
podophyllin one grain; and fluid extract of cascara, an ounce. 
Mix, and shake the bottle each time before taking a dose. A 
tablespoonful (for a patient of about the above size) was given 
every four hours till three doses had been taken, this being 
sufficient to produce four or five free alvine discharges. Then 
continued taking a dose every fourth of fifth night till restored. 
The body was sponge-bathed every day, using hot water and 
plenty of soap, and the feet soaked in hot water, for an hour 
each day, or just before going to bed. Treatment followed by 
early recovery. 

A CASE OF MELANCHOLIA PROMISING INSANITY. 

Patient melancholic, nervous irritability, and loss of mental 
control almost to the verge of insanity, these conditions more 
prominently manifesting just before the catemenia. Bowels 
almost continually constipated, urine scant and offensive, breath 
fetid, skin thick, nasty colored ashen-greenish tinge, appetite 

32- 



706 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

variable and capricious, imperfect digestion and but little as- 
similation. 

The above condition was due to an all round neglect of any 
attention to the care of the health. 

A hot water sitz-bath, water hot as could be borne, and 
extending well over the abdomen to near the waist line, keep- 
ing the water hot during the bath which continued ten minutes, 
finishing with sponge-bathing the remainder of the body, and 
the patient then placed in a comfortable bed, the nervousness 
began disappearing. A dose of the following given, the patient 
left to sleep for the night, which resulted. The next morning, 
the remedy was begun again and given every six hours till free 
alvine action was seen : Simple syrup and glycerine, of each, 
two ounces ; fluid extract of aromatic cascara and tincture of 
buchu, of each, one ounce; sweet spirits of nitre, half an ounce ; 
podophyllin, one grain, and essence of peppermint, half an 
ounce. Mixed. This was the remedy given, and all that was 
given. After the above given action, much betterment ensued 
every way, recovery promising. 

Beginning again two days after the above action was pro- 
duced, the taking of the medicine was continued, taking a dose 
from three times a week, the first month, to twice a week, till 
recovery was complete, the medicine not needed the third 
month. The baths continued the same frequency. A table- 
spoonful of this mixture was the dose given. Foods agreeably 
pleasant, environments congenial, reasonable exercise, and pur- 
poseful occupation are helpful in curing such a case, and also 
somewhat helpful in preventing it. 

A CASE OF SUPPOSED CANCER OF THROAT AND 

MOUTH. 

In ulceration of the soft palate and fauces and sores in the 
mouth the condition may arise, when mild, from a general 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 707 

condition of biliousness and inactivity of the urinary excre- 
tions ; extensive and prolonged cases may be due to the to- 
bacco habit, chiefly smoking, or it may be due to syphilitic 
poison in the blood. On examination there is frequently found 
little nodulated or papulous appearances, perhaps ulcerated 
and discharging, or destruction of tissue progressing without 
much discharge. The voice suffers, the patient becomes pale, 
emaciated, and there is a haggard expression if permitted to 
continue. 

If the use of tobacco is indulged in it must be discontinued. 
Local treatment is of secondary help, and while it must not 
be harsh, it must be administered. The first thing done was 
to cleanse the parts in the mouth and throat by washing their 
surfaces with pure glycerine, removing well any discharges that 
presented. Then rinsed well all the affected parts with the fol- 
lowing wash : Took sage sufficient to half fill a pint cup, poured 
over it boiling water sufficient to two-thirds fill the cup, let it 
boil up brisk once, removed and strained it through a piece of 
cheese cloth. While it was yet very hot added a full teaspoon- 
ful of golden seal in powder, and half a teaspoonful of pow- 
dered borax, when it was ready for use. Cleansed well the 
parts twice a day, and used this preparation following it. A 
portion, a tablespoonful, was gargled several times a day with 
benefit, it doing no harm if some were swallowed. 

Gave a capsule (see remedies in this book) every five hours 
till four had been taken, then one every other night till three 
had been taken, then every fifth to seventh night so long as 
needed. 

The following also serves as well: Take tincture of prickly 
ash berries, one ounce ; tincture of buchu, two ounces ; leptandra, 
two drachms ; fluid extract of aromatic cascara, one ounce ; 
podophyllin, two grains; simple syrup and glycerine, of each 



708 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

three ounces. Mix. A tablespoonful taken every other night, 
till four doses have been taken, then from three times to once 
a week. A cure is the result, even in exceedingly severe cases 
of syphilitic poison. 

A CASE, THAT SCHOOL BOY AND SCHOOL GIRL. 

The school boy and the school girl. They have been at- 
tending school for years — from six years old to sixteen, nine- 
teen, twenty, or twenty-three. This going to school soon gets 
to not only be a competative race, but a rushing aspiration — 
the once child that let each day pass as for granted well spent, 
has disappeared, and now the hopeful, the aspiring, the rush- 
ing and pressing on to attain the goal ahead — as its real- 
ization is becoming apparent, the effort is increased, aspiration 
pumps the bellows and fans the fire to intensity, urging the 
engine on, on, and yet on. The great master work of life is 
going on, both physically and mentally — a great physical and 
mental growth. They must go on together, it is the prepar- 
atory work fitting, building that that must go forth — the 
man and the woman. This is the time for this work designed 
by the Great Creator of all created things, and he has admir- 
ably adapted harmony in the economy for this special end, 
and the child — the girl and the boy, the young man and the 
young woman, will stand the trip or race if one so please to 
call it, if proper care is exercised. 

Four things are especially and particularly necessary, and 
a fifth one is exceedingly beneficial. Plenty of wholesome foods 
is essential to nourish the body for its natural physical growth 
and development, and supplying materials for repairs from 
wearout, and replacement of that that expires from limitation 
of the powers of endurance, for creating that force, and 
that aspiration, and the power of running the engine of the 
entire economy. The body in these years is more sensitive to 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 709 

harsh treatments and less able to resist their influences or 
effects, than in mature life, hence it requires comfortable cloth- 
ing. Plenty of muscular exercise is essential to aid the system 
to rid itself of its detritus. When muscular exercise is deficient, 
and the kidneys and the bowels are not keeping the economy 
clean, that nervous restlessness, that inability to confine to 
study or to concentrate thought, manifests. Rest, freedom 
from undue excitements, yet sufficient pleasing amusement to 
give that rest to the energies that are constantly being used — 
to enable them to keep gathered up. And last, but not least, 
they should not be harrassed till they are developed into such 
disagreeable ill-natures as are constantly going forth from 
schools. With the above line of care pursued, there is but 
little need of prompting by administering medicines to promote 
harmony of body and mind, 

A CASE OF NERVOUS PROSTRATION. 

A woman, she has been taxed to her utmost strength this 
many years, has been wife, given off from her body eight or 
ten children, nursed and handled them, necessitating lifting, 
holding and carrying them in sickness and health during so 
many years of helplessness ; has made, mended and washed 
their clothing, cooked, scrubbed (and perhaps cooked for others 
than them to provide foods, clothing, home, etc., for them, 
tended garden, chickens, cows, or done some other outside 
work in addition) with seldom in all these years an unbroken 
night's sleep, and perhaps never a kindly recognition of appre- 
ciation. This monotony going on twenty, thirty, thirty-five 
or forty years, with never a rest out to relieve the pressure 
that life's energies may rest, look over, and recuperate itself. 
It is a case all the medicines in the world can do but little 
for, the prescription cannot be filled in the drug shops. The 
medicines called for are peace of mind, undisturbed bodily rest, 



710 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and wholesome foods. With these supplied, bodily strength 
recuperates, that weird look disappears from the eye, also that 
screech of discontent which has been caused by the very life 
having been crushed out from the long pressure of menial 
servitude, and in its place a more endurable satisfaction will 
come. The case needs humane treatment, not medicines. 

A CASE PROMISING A BREAKDOWN. 

A slender young man tried to confine himself close to busi- 
ness, ate in a hurry and at irregular hours, was too much in 
the social swim at nights, thus being robbed of nature's balm — 
sleep; smoked too many cigars and cigarettes, all of which 
had progressed to a species of dissipation. His eyes looked 
sunken, he was distressed with a sinking weight at the epigas- 
trium, had flatulence, headache, was nervous and restless, the 
bowels were constipated and urine and sweat very offensive, 
very. He suffered from palpitation on slight exertion, felt 
tired, oppressed, had some fever. 

The treatment in this case began with eliminating much of 
the degenerating habits, and substituting in their place time to 
eat, attention to business in business hours, less going in the 
social swim, taking sleep in its natural time — night, letting 
mint candies and prickly ash bark candies take the place of 
the cigars and cigarettes, and ordered vigorous muscular exer- 
cise to aid the system in eliminating the detritus of the body. 
In addition but little medicine was needed. 

Sponge-bathed the body just before going to bed, using 
water as hot as could be borne and permitted the feet to be 
immersed in the water while bathing the remainder of the 
body, and drying the body briskly and quickly. This gave a 
sedation insuring a restful night's sleep. Added ten drops of 
nux vomica to four ounces of water, and had a teaspoonful of 
the mixture taken every hour for five hours, then a dose three 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 711 

times a day for four or five days. In addition gave a capsule 
every night for three nights, then one every third night for 
two weeks. Restoration to comfortable health resulted. A 
tablespoonful of the mixture containing cascara and podophyl- 
lin named in the treatment of case No. 3 may be taken instead 
of the capsules, if preferred. The frequency of taking this last 
named medicine must be the same as was above directed for 
the capsules. 

A CASE, A CHILD. 

A child had furred tongue, dirty skin, stinking breath, con- 
stipated condition of the bowels generally, though sometimes 
relaxed condition of the bowels and dark green discharges ; it 
had periods of fever, vomits, frets for food in the night, was 
always gorging; it heard too much old talk, and saw too much 
company. This was simply a case of rebellion against impo- 
sition. Regulated the habits of the child intelligently and but 
little medicine was needed. Prohibited eating but three times 
a day, gave it supper not later than half past six o'clock P. 
M., (half past five P. M. would have been better), and let the 
food be plain. Added ten drops of tincture of nux vomica, to 
four ounces of water, and gave a teaspoonful every two hours 
during the day. (Usually giving this for three or four days is 
sufficient.) Kept the child from the excitement of seeing too 
much company, and provided companionship congenial to its 
age. Just before putting the child to bed at night, sponge- 
bathed its body, using water as warm as could be borne. 

A CASE. 

A woman aged forty, presents a seeming general ill-health, 
swollen face, some bloating all over the body, (in some cases 
this may appear in different parts of the body, or all over it), 
shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitation, sick at the stomach, 



712 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the skin dirty yellowish, and a general all miserable feeling 
throughout the body. 

The body was sponge-bathed with hot water and soap, 
dried by rubbing it briskly and the patient permitted to keep 
the recumbent position for a rest up. Gave a dose of anti- 
bilious physic (see remedies in this book) once a week for two 
weeks, and kept the patient quiet. 

A CASE. 

A man fifty or sixty years old. He had been suffering with 
kidney trouble, palpitations, legs and feet swelled, puffiness in 
the face and about the eyes, breath short and labored, skin 
pale colored and pasty, urine somewhat scant and offensive in 
odor, occasionally profuse. Sponge-bathed the body, using hot 
water to which was added one-fourth of an ounce of aqua am- 
monia to two gallons of the water used. A capsule every third 
night was taken, and the intervening nights an injection per 
rectum, using a quart of water to which half an ounce 6*f 
glycerine had been added, and using the water as hot as could 
be borne. Continued this treatment as long as necessary. The 
unpleasantness all disappeared. 

A CASE OF BAD BILIOUSNESS. 

Tumors, boils, carbuncles, whichever you prefer to name 
them, appeared in axilla, the groins, about the elbows, about 
the eyes, on the back of the neck and down between the shoul- 
ders. There was sometimes associated with these symptoms, 
swellings all over the body or any part of it. There was found 
to exist irregularity of the bowels and urinary excretions. The 
whole system was in a debilitated condition, the liver, spleen 
and tonsils enlarged or inflamed. There was loss of sleep, de- 
ranged appetite and disturbance of the heart. It was a type 
of glandular fever progressing toward suppuration of the glands. 



SOME TYPICAL CASKS. 713 

All of these symptoms are not so prominent in every case; 
some are absent in some cases. 

A type of disturbance similar to the above has been 
called Hodgkin's disease. Such appellations for types of disease 
throw a hideous mysticism about the affection truly appalling 
to the uninitiated into the mysteries of applying names to mor- 
mid conditions of the human body. But the fact that if Hodg- 
kins had any ailment or disease it was his, but if Smith, Jones 
or Brown had any disease it was theirs, will suffice to amel- 
iorate. 

If the treatment is begun in its very earliest manifestation, 
a cure is more easily effected, but if permitted to progress till 
extensive suppuration is going on, the outlook is not so prom- 
ising. The treatment must be begun with effective elimination 
— eliminating and excreting these morbid matters through na- 
ture's channels of removing them from the system by way of 
the kidneys and bowels, and nutrition must be improved. So 
rapidly as this is done the case gets well. 

Sponge-bathed the patient's body, using hot water and soap. 
A dose of anti-bilious physic most effectually and quickly di- 
rected these morbid matters into the natural channels of outlet, 
and though its action was thorough and speedy it caused no 
disturbance of the stomach (and for this first essential work 
there is nothing the writer has found that so well serves this 
needed purpose in' these cases). After the action of this had 
checked, which was in about six or eight hours, began giving 
the following : Added twenty drops of tincture of bryonia to 
four ounces of water and gave a teaspoonful of the mixture 
every four hours, three times a day. Gave the capsules suffi- 
ciently frequent to keep up two or three moderate alvine dejec- 
tions during each twenty-four hours. Cleansed any parts that 
were discharging with equal parts of water and glycerine and 



714 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

applied the ointment directed in the treatment of carbuncles in 
this book. 

The mixture containing podophyllin and cascara, directed 
in case three in this book, is most excellent in these cases. 

A CASE OF SUPPOSED BRAIN TROUBLE. 

A teacher, after years of exacting and sometimes perplex- 
ing work in the management of a large school, was attacked 
with dizziness, (vertigo) could scarcely keep from falling for- 
ward, felt a sensation as if becoming unconscious yet did not 
become so, sometimes vomited, had ringing in the ears, and 
felt a general heaviness. The attack appeared every spring, and 
as the year was nearing up, the conditions became more pro- 
nounced, the patient feared "brain trouble," and became 
alarmed. It was a case of exhaustion — nerve exhaustion, if 
you please so to term it, resulting from mental strain and 
over-work augmented by deficient muscular exercise to aid the 
system to rid itself of its effete materials, and to preserve an 
equilibrium of body and mind, and the blood was over-loaded 
with obnoxious and useless materials; the digestion was not 
well performed, there was fetid odor on the breath, an offen- 
sive odor about the sweat, especially of the feet, there was a 
feeling of drowsiness after eating, and the lower limbs were 
disposed to go to sleep. All of these symptoms do not present 
at once, in every case, but enough sufficiently prominent to 
show the cause and results. The poisons from the effete ma- 
terials and the abnormal gas in the blood, causes the "brain 
symptoms" — vertigo, the falling forward. The relief is to be 
had in vigorous muscular exercise, mental rest, and a little 
medicine to prompt functions of the body, and lend tone. 

A dose of salts taken occasionally, will abort a paroxismal 
attack for awhile, by clearing the main excretory channels of 
their "roughness," but a more thorough renovation becomes 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 715 

necessary. For immediate relief from the paroxismal attack of 
vertigo, added ten drops of nux vomica to four ounces of 
water, and gave a teaspoonful of the mixture every fifteen 
minutes, till relief was manifesting, (four or five doses usually 
being sufficient to do this), then continued taking it every two 
hours for two days. 

Gave the mixture containing tincture of prickly ash and 
leptandra, directed in case three, in this book, as there di- 
rected. 

After the discontinuance of taking the nux vomica, if there 
yet remains a little nervousness, add f^ve drops of tincture of 
Pulsatilla, to four ounces of water, and take a teaspoonful 
every two hours during the day, in addition to taking the 
above. Disappointment is not experienced. 

A CASE-NOT BRIGHT'S DISEASE. 

In kidney disease with excessive flow of urine, great thirst, 
drinking great quantities of water without allaying thirst, 
sometimes manifesting, the tongue usually presents a some- 
what glazed appearance, or it may be coated, stomach sensi- 
tive and appetite variable, the bowels sluggish, have nearly 
alwavs been so in some of these cases. 

The abnormal thirst will gradually yield to the influence of 
drinking hot water frequently. The water must be hot as can 
be supped. A teacupful at one time is not too much, and 
three or four times in the twenty-four hours in the time of its 
worst severity not too frequent. See to the clothing that it 
supplies sufficient warmth, as this deficiency when the weather 
changes to colder is one cause of the above condition. 

When in these conditions there is considerable general un- 
comfortable feeling, a dose of the anti-bilious physic eliminates 
from the blood and circulation the morbidness that is vexing 



716 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the urinary apparatus, thus relieving it that it may gather up 
its vital energies to enable it to gain tone to perform its func- 
tions naturally. Take no other medicine for thirty-six or forty- 
eight hours. If recovery is not evidently about complete, take 
a dose of the mixture containing tincture of prickly ash berries 
directed in case three once a day, or take a capsule (see reme- 
dies in this book) every night to every fifth night. 

A hot water injection per rectum taken occasionally in this 
condition is also invaluable. The treatment seems simple, but 
what difference does it make if the thing that cures is simple, 
if recovery is the result wanted. 

A CASE— REQUIRING PROPER TREATMENT. 

A minister, aged sixty-three years, stated he was unable to 
attend to his ministerial duties, because of a general feeling of 
indisposition — could not avoid breaking down and crying for 
no accountable reason, was despondent, and constantly felt a 
foreboding of something harmful, and would become tremblingly 
nervous and dizzy-headed; and a carbuncle began making its 
appearance on the back of the neck. 

Ordered hot water sponge-bath and foot bath, taken not 
every day, but occasionally, and a capsule (see remedies in this 
book) taken, one at seven and one at ten o'clock at night. 
And during the day alternated giving the following the first 
five days : Nux vomica, five drops added to four ounces of 
water, a teaspoonful given every three hours. Tincture of bry- 
onia, twenty drops, added to four ounces of water, a teaspoon- 
ful given every three hours. 

The carbuncle was bathed with hot water and soap, morn- 
ing and evening, and was poulticed for a few days, exhibition 
indicating that discharging was nearing; kept up the baths to 
it, and applied, instead of the poultice, the ointment directed 



SOME TYPICAL CASES. 717 

in this book in treatment of carbuncle. It discharged at three 
openings, and the ointment was applied each day till pus 
ceased forming, when pure vaseline was applied till nothing 
more was needed. Recovered and is enjoying many comfort- 
able days, and the proper treatment given prevented a disas- 
trous ending, prevented insanity. Carbuncle does not always 
manifest in the above types of illness, more frequently it does 
not. 

A CASE.-RECTAL ULCER. 
The patient had been hard worked, food not of the best, 
scarcely time to eat or think of necessary bodily attentions, 
bowels had been constipated since could not remember when 
different, urine offensive odor and scant, becoming emaciated 
though slight symptoms of bloat occasionally appeared, much 
inclined to melancholy, nervous palpitation of the heart, nasty 
coated tongue, and dark under the eyes. There were ulcerative 
processes about the posterior rectal wall, secreting a foul, 
greenish, offensive pus. 

Scavenging and nourishing the general system, and cleans- 
ing the ulcerated parts, was the treatment given. The remedy 
directed given for constitutional effect, in the treatment of rec- 
tual ulcer in this work, was given for scavenging the general 
system and promoting digestion, and also the local treatments 
directed for local use in treatment of this annoyance, with the 
result of an early cure. 

The patient must confine sufficient to the recumbent posi- 
tion for rest sufficient. 

No one expects to have more than one bodv in a lifetime, 
and its parts are necessary to its well-being. The above treat- 
ment will cure about every curable case, leaving the anatomy 
of the parts in comfortable condition, which surgical operation 
seldom does, in fact never does. 



718 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A CASE.— WHAT WAS DONE WITHOUT THE KNIFE. 
Geo. Covert, M. D., Iowa, gives the following: "Mr. D., 
an old man in a neighboring village, was run over by a loaded 
wagon and sustained a compound comminuted fracture of both 
bones of the leg above the ankle. He would not tolerate the 
confinement of bandage and splint, amd his physician requested 
me to operate, as inflammation and suppuration had super- 
vened. But the patient would not consent to an operation. 
He was determined to 'die with both feet.' In this extremity, 
we straightened the limb and placed sandbags along side to 
keep it in position and then applied echinacea freely to the in- 
jured portions. Suppuration was not excessive and in time the 
man recovered the use of the limb." — From the Chicago Med- 
ical Times, Vol. 34, No. 3. 

The treatment and care in the abcve case is truly a dis- 
play of skill. Anybody could have cut off the limb and it 
might have healed, but saving the limb as in the above case, 
embodied the most excellent wisdom, tact and fine technique. 

A CASE.— SHAKING PALSY. 

Dr. McCarthy says: "As to the treatment I have found 
nothing to excel the aesculus glabra. I make a tincture of the 
inner bark, cut fine and cover it with alcohol, let it stand 
fourteen days, and prescribe as follows : Tincture of aesculus 
glabra, one drachm; aqua dist., 8 ounces. Mix. A teaspoon- 
ful every two or three hours." 

He reported having seen complete control of the muscles in 
fifteen minutes after the first dose. He directed that the bow- 
els be kept free. — From Med. Brief. 



PART TENTH. 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 

Numerous accidents are occurring every day and in the 
varied exposures to injury and danger to life, they are likely 
to occur at any time. It requires time to obtain a physician 
or surgeon, and in that waiting time a life may be lost that 
might have been saved by simple means promptly adminis- 
tered, hence no one can know too much of emergency remedies 
and giving relief to suffering and saving life. Any and all 
means are simple enough , for any intelligent person to under- 
stand who desires to make the necessary effort to do so. 

A physician should be called in all cases of severe injuries, 
and this everyone knows without this writer telling you to 
do so. 

In mechanical injuries, the danger does not always consist 
in loss of blood alone, but to this coupled with shock, which 
is nearly always out of proportion to the extent of the injury. 

While waiting the arrival of a physician, never neglect to 
endeavor to do something to save life, not in excited haste, 
keep cool, keep your senses at the helm whatever else you may 
have lost, always remembering to leave the discussion "of how 



720 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

the accident happened" till relief has been established. Take 
the situation as it is found and do the best to save life and 
promote recovery that may be possible from the nature of the 
case, or degree of injury, and the best that can be done under 
the circumstances. Each and every case presents the needs 
peculiar to itself, and to attempt to state everything that 
might be necessary would be a fruitless effort; much must be 
left to the exercise of judgment with sense in each particular 
case. 

Place the injured in as comfortable position as possible, plac- 
ing the body in that position which best protects the wound, 
which position will suggest itself in each case, that position 
being the best that will not open a wound, strain a part, or lend 
additional injury and suffering. Free the mouth and nose from 
obstructions to breathing, loosen the clothing at the neck and 
waist line, and keep bystanders at much distance from the in- 
jured. This permits live air for the patient to breathe, and 
which is needed. 

If the patient is in an unconscious condition, the feet and 
hands may be sponged with hot water, and the face sponged 
with cold water. Aqua ammonia poured on a handkerchief 
may be passed under the nose, or spirits of camphor may be 
held to the nose, and a return to consciousness watched for. 
When consciousness has manifested sufficient to permit the pa- 
tient to swallow, sups of hot water, hot tea, or hot milk, pre- 
ferably hot water, may now be given. It is the best and 
safest stimulant to give in these cases. A little salt may be 
added to the water. 

Alcoholic stimulants have a depressing influence, and in in- 
juries there is present more or less depression, and needs none 
additional. 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 721 

Vomiting may occur, but the sups of hot water will re- 
lieve it. Attention must be given that sufficient warmth is 
provided, by blankets, hot water-bags, hot bricks, hot irons 
or other means. 

In conditions where limbs or parts have been severed, or 
nearly severed, quickly put them back in place and confine 
them there, the physician or surgeon may be able to save 
them. It has been reported that fingers that had been cut 
completely off had re-united to their original place, healed and 
were useful as ever. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

"Finny is reported to have sutured in place the ends of 
the ring and middle fingers, seven hours after they had been 
cut off by a machine, firm union taking place within two 
weeks, and at the end of three years motion and sensation 
being complete. — John Hopkins Bulletin." 

In conditions of broken limbs, or severe bodily injury, 
where it is necessary to move the patient a great distance 
before attention to dressing can be had, and where no other 
provision can be had, the limb or entire body may be placed 
in a box, the limb or body being well cushioned with cotton 
and placed on and surrounded on the sides by sawdust, or 
sand. 

In conditions of severe burns, add a heaped teaspoonful of 
soda (the kind we use in cooking) to a gallon of water and 
wet the clothes well with it before attempting to remove them. 
By so doing very great progress is immediately made in dis- 
persing the "fire from the burns," and immediate relief is ex- 
perienced by the patient. Then pure vaseline serves best for 

33— 



722 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

applying to the burn, and this covered with fine unwashed 
cotton, quite thick. 

The habit of hauling the injured blocks and blocks, and 
sometimes miles, before anything is done to relieve the injury, 
is a deplorable practice, and one that does great injury to the 
patient, not only increasing the severity of the injury, but in- 
creasing the danger to fatality by additional fatigue. 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 

When clothing on the body gets on fire, sit down on it, or 
lie down and roll over on it, if some article is not near to 
wrap around you to smother out the fire. For this purpose a 
shawl, a rug from the floor, a quilt, or any heavy fabric will 
serve. 

In case of a bite from a dog, or other animal, wash the 
injury with hot water, and apply freely and frequently — three 
times to once a day — the following: Take turpentine and 
essence of peppermint, of each, three ounces ; castor oil, half 
an ounce. Mix and shake the bottle well each time before ap- 
plying it. The patient will get well, if permitted to do so, if 
some silly body is not successful in scaring him to death by 
telling dog-tales, for lack of something intelligent to say. 

In any cases of poisoning, if nothing known to be a 
certain antidote is at hand, have the patient drink all the 
sweet milk he can; or if nothing else is at hand, have him 
drink all the hot water he can. 

In all cases of injury or wound, after the injury or wound 
is dressed, give the patient a medicine to promote excretion by 
rousing the liver to action. If this is properly done, there will 
be but few cases of lock-jaw develop. Any of the mixtures pre- 
scribed in this book which contain podophyllin will serve the 
desired purpose. 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 723 

TO STOP BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. 

Give one-fourth of a teaspoonful of essence of cinnamon 
and ten drops of oil of erigeron, on sugar or in syrup, repeat- 
ing the dose in fifteen to thirty minutes if necessary. 

If this cannot be had, use hot water applications, hot as 
can be borne; turpentine may be added to the water, or it 
may be applied by saturating a pledget of cotton and intro- 
ducing it into the nasal cavity. If none of these means are at 
hand, place a finger in each ear firmly and chew rapidly. 

TO CHECK HEMORRHAGE FROM WOUNDS. 

In cases of extensive lacerations, resulting in extensive 
bleeding, if a large blood-vessel is not injured or opened, place 
the injured edges in apposition — together, after having removed 
any dirt that may be upon the injured part, and bind the parts 
together with any clean cloth to keep them in place, till ap- 
propriate dressing may be had, and saturate the injured part 
with turpentine. Turpentine is not only the best hemostatic 
known for local purposes, but it is a healing and cleansing 
antiseptic. 

Cinnamon in powder applied to the wound, will also stop 
bleeding from wounds, and it also favors healing. Hot water 
alone will stop bleeding, and it is truly antiseptic and favors 
healing. Sugar is said to stop bleeding from wounds, and 
that it also favors healing. I have not used sugar in dressing 
wounds. 

GREATER INJURIES. 

The bright red hue and spurting flow of blood from a 
wound tells of an artery having been injured, and there is great 
and immediate danger to life. The wound may be firmly 
grasped with the hand, or firm pressure made between the 



724 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

wound and the heart, to check the flow of blood till appro- 
priate means and assistance may be obtained. 

If an artery is cut, compress above the injury, and if you 
can possibly get hold of the edges of the artery bring them 
together, have a needle threaded with white silk thread by 
an assistant, and sew the edges — sewing a through stitch and 
tie, till sufficient stitches are made, remembering to sew the 
cut edges together in that way to leave the artery's cavity 
unobstructed. Apply liberally of turpentine from the first. 

If a larger vein is injured or cut, compress below the injury, 
cleanse the parts and place the injured edges together, and if 
the cut or injury is sufficiently large to require stitches, take 
them as above ; or, if the wound is situated in a part that the 
tension is not so great as to forcibly draw the wound open, 
narrow strips of adhesive or court plaster will serve the pur- 
pose, and is the best mode of dressing a wound where it can 
be done; leave small spaces bet-ween the strips to permit of 
the escape of the discharges; should any appear, place a piece 
of absorbent cotton over the wound, if you have it (if not, a 
clean piece of soft white cotton material will do) and confine it 
in place with a binder applied just sufficiently firm to feel com- 
fortable, or to somewhat brace the parts. 

FOR CLEANSING WOUNDS. 

For the first cleansing of wounds, equal parts of turpentine, 
hot water and castor oil, mixed, is unequaled. The action of 
turpentine is very rapid, checking bleeding and favoring healing. 

The application of turpentine to the surface skin in some 
cases blisters, but does not annoy the inner parts of the wound ; 
to protect the surrounding skin, or surfaee, use castor oil over 
the surface. In the above mixture for cleansing wounds the 
castor oil is combined. 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 725 

FOR PAINFUL WOUNDS. 

If the wound becomes painful, and there is no punishing 
from the dressings evident, sprinkle sugar on live coals and 
hold the injured part in the fumes ; relief has followed quickly, 
and it also favors healing. How, or on what peculiar princi- 
ple, this gives relief, I do not know, but it has done so. And 
this kind of evidence is all we have of any remedy. Another 
equally as singular remedy attended with good results is to 
hold the suffering wound in the fumes of burning wool or 
woolen fabric, this also relieving pain and hastening recovery. 

BEES-WAX DRESSING FOR MINOR CUTS AND WOUNDS. 

For many of the minor cuts and wounds, there is hardly 
anything equals a bees- wax dressing, the yellow wax. After 
having cleansed the injury, as directed in these articles for 
cleansing injuries, place the injured parts in the best possible 
position, mould the wax over the wound smoothly and firmly, 
then take a knitting needle, or some other like article, and slide 
it up under the edge of the wax carefully so as to leave a little 
channel for any discharge to pass cut that may appear, remove 
the needle and cover the part with a cloth to keep the wax 
dressing in shape and clean. This is not to be renewed for five 
or seven days, unless pain manifests, or some other morbid 
symptom presents, which seldom does. 

FRACTURES. 

Place the patient in as comfortable position as possible, 
and if moving must be done before a surgeon can be obtained 
to dress and take charge of the case, protect the parts from 
being aggravated and injured by the motion; an improvised 
splint applied will protect a broken limb while being moved, 
and a narrow strip of wood one or two inches wide, or some 
other utility, may be used for this purpose. 



726 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

SPRAINS. 

Place the patient in position to relieve pressure from the 
injured parts, and keep the affected parts immersed in hot 
water, an hour or two. Then remove them from the water and 
dry the surface. Equal parts of essence of peppermint, glycer- 
ine and oil of cedar, mixed and applied is an excellent appli- 
cation, immediate relief being experienced. Also, the following 
is effective: Take spirits of camphor, chloroform, tincture of 
arnica, aqua ammonia, spirits of turpentine, of each, one ounce; 
glycerine two ounces, and essence of peppermint, three ounces. 
Mix. Apply all of either of the above liniments that the part will 
take up. This is an emergency liniment and a bottle of it 
should be in every home. Many aches and pains will disperse 
from using it. 

OBSERVATIONS IN CONDITIONS OF INJURIES. 

In conditions of injuries of any severity, it is always best 
to give a medicine to aid the system in rallying from the con- 
dition, as there is always systemic injury from shock and the 
injury itself, there may be, and frequently is, as in case of a 
fall with injury, though no break might have resulted, there is 
injury, bruise, shock, and in this condition there may be and 
doubtless usually is, effused blood, which being dispersed from 
its natural condition by the destructive agent of injury, is not 
only out of its natural place, but it is killed and of itself is an 
injurious factor in the system. For the safety to the patient 
this must be removed, by rousing a general systemic action 
to carry it out. See General Observations in Emergency Man- 
agements in this book. 

SNAKE BITE. 

Snake bites may happen, also stings from insects which are 
in different degrees poison, and though of rare occurrence, when 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 727 

such do occur they require as much skill as if they were hap- 
pening every day. 

My experience in treating snake bite, like all practitioners 
of medicine, is very limited. Almost any old hunter, or any 
"old woman" who has lived out on the farm, especially in 
frontier life, can give more reliable information in the cure of 
snake bites than any one physician in a thousand, for they 
(the "old women" or the hunters) generally stumble onto some- 
thing that gets the patient out of danger before a physician 
can arrive, and who in ninety-five cases out of every hundred 
really knows less than anybody else what to do when he gets 
there, though he comes away three-fold enriched, having ob- 
tained knowledge of how to take care of a snake bite, the glory 
of having cured (?) one, and his pocket book replenished also — 
sometimes. I never saw a case in the human family in which 
the snake bite caused death. But I have met but few cases. 
A case I call to mind, which I was called to treat in my very 
early study of medicine, and before I began handling medicines, 
years ago, gives the most reliable information regarding the 
certainty of cure from any particular remedy which I can ob- 
tain. I speak of this as reliable, as no treatment had been ad- 
ministered till I arrived, and my treatment was not interrupted 
and a cure resulted. Whiskey was thought of, but only about 
half an ounce was at hand, the nearest that any could be ob- 
tained was eight miles away (but that was not in a prohibi- 
tion state, in which I have lived these later years). This whis- 
key was given to the boy and he was ordered taken to a phys- 
ician, who also was the same distance away as the whiskey. 
Conveyance was tardy and the foot was swelling ; I had known 
of an "old woman" reducing swelling with a plaster made of 
the "yellow of eggs and salt" mixed, and from there being 
nothing else at hand to apply, I ordered the egg and salt plas- 



728 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ter, having a fresh one applied soon as the one on disposed to 
dry. Fresh plasters were kept on and from unavoidable pre- 
ventions near five hours passed before he reached the physi- 
cian's office, but the swelling had reduced till comparatively 
little was apparent. The physician, who was a gentleman, or- 
dered my treatment continued as long as necessary (the salt 
and egg poultice) and gave as his opinion that to the poultice 
was due the recovery. He did nothing more. 

The patient made a complete recovery. I do not pretend 
to know whether or how the eggs and salt counteracts the 
poison, neither do I know how whiskey does, nor that it does, 
nor do I think anybody else knows. The eggs and salt have 
proved efficient in other hands, also. 

I do not find from research anything that gives better re- 
sults, neither have I talked with any other physician on this 
subject that really claims anything to look to but whiskey. 
Cauterizings, cuttings, and bandagings have been resorted to, 
but I doubt if either of them really did any good in affecting a 
cure. If I could not obtain the eggs, salt and whiskey, I would 
apply spirits of turpentine, or aqua ammonia to the bite. I 
■would use the same treatment for scorpion bite. Whiskey, am- 
monia, and cinchonia, are the leading remedies recommended 
by some authors for the above bites. 

FOR CURING POISON FROM THE POISON OAK. 

(Rhus Toxicodendron). 

For external poisoning. Add two grains of sulphate of zinc 
to a pint of water, and apply it over the affected part, by 
means of a bit of cotton over which a small quantity of the 
solution has been poured, repeating the application three or 
four times a day. A cure generally results in from twenty -four 
to thirty-six hours. Relief from the first. Should the applica- 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 729 

tion cause some severe smarting, add more water to the mix- 
ture. This same remedy also cures poison from the poison vine, 
rhus radicans. If these poisons have been taken internally, call 
a physician. 

Some persons are more susceptible to poisons from the 
above plants than others, marked difference being met within 
the same family. I played with the leaves from the above 
named plants, many times when I was a child and was never 
poisoned with them. But my son has been very susceptible to 
their poison all his life. When he was two years old, happen- 
ing to be near the poison vine though not touching it himself, 
he was poisoned with it, his hands swelled till almost round 
as balls. Not having my usual remedy with me I was at a 
loss to know what to do, when a lady informed me that she 
had known gun powder and cream to cure from this poison. 
I obtained some, applied it, which resulted in a speedy cure. I 
would use the gun powder and cream could I not obtain the 
sulphate of zinc. The mode of preparing the gun powder and 
cream was to add a third of a teaspoonful of gun powder to 
one third of a teacupful of sweet cream. Mix well, and apply 
two to three times daily. In the case of my son three appli- 
cations were sufficient. 

Dr. Thomas B. McBride, in the Philadelphia Med. Times, 
stated that a saturated solution of oxalic acid applied over 
surfaces poisoned with rhus, will dry up the vesicles in less 
than an hour, and prevent a further spread of the affliction. 

OPIUM POISON. 

In cases of opium poison, give the patient strong coffee to 
drink freely, and keep the patient moving. 



730 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ANTIDOTE FOR OXALIC POISON. 

In cases of this poison having been taken, mix chalk, or 
plaster from the ceiling, in water, and give to the patient to 
drink, while waiting for the arrival of a physician. 

CHLOROFORM ACCIDENTS. 

When a person is found overcome by the influence of chlo- 
roform, slap briskly over the chest, and place ammonia suffi- 
ciently near the mouth and nose of the patient so that it may 
be inhaled and smelled. Pour turpentine on live coals and 
permit the patient to get the fumes by passing it sufficiently 
near. The fumes of turpentine are very refreshing, and turpen- 
tine might be advantageously combined with chloroform in 
administering it for anesthetic purposes. 

ACCIDENTS FROM ELECTRIC WIRES. 

Electricity is dangerous, accidents occur from it, and when 
met great caution must be observed. The writer has had no 
personal experience in accidents from electricity, but has ob- 
tained the following for immediate use in these accidents: Do 
not place yourself in the current to help others out, as by so 
doing you add one more victim to the result. Under no con- 
sideration do not catch hold of the wire, unless you are certain 
that you are insulated by rubber boot or glove. A large dry 
silk handkerchief is considered the next best thing, and some 
perfectly dry article (of clothing, if at hand, will do) should be 
utilized to stand on. When removing a person from a live 
wire, do not permit his body to leave the earth; do not lift 
him. When the victim has been released from the wires, at- 
tempts to resuscitate may be made. Place the finger on the 
tongue clear back to the base, press down, and at once remove 
it, permit the patient's self a little time to battle with the 
conditions, permit time for the patient to try to breathe. If 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 731 

necessary, repeat the treatment again. The writer has had 
good success in resuscitating by this procedure, in other cases 
requiring resuscitation. Other methods of resuscitating are 
recommended, as grasping the tongue, and pulling it forward 
and shoving it backward, but this is sufficient for the scope of 
this work. 

POISON BY ACCIDENT. 

Poison by accident may occur in even well regulated fam- 
ilies, but it is safest to not keep poisons about the home. 
When such articles are kept about the home, as concentrated 
lye for cleansing purposes, oxalic acid for laundry purposes, 
and poisons for destroying insects, they should be kept out 
somewhere to themselves, and so far away from articles re- 
quiring daily use that there is no chance of getting them by 
mistake, instead of some other article intended. 

There are many poisons for which there is no known an- 
tidote, hence great caution should be observed, especially in 
handling or taking things that carry a suggestion of poison 
in their known properties. A physician should always be 
called, as in all cases of exciting emergencies, as loss of self- 
control of many persons at these times frequently prevents them 
from doing what they may know to do. 

POISON FROM DRINKING CONCENTRATED LYE. 

When concentrated lye has been drunk or supped, imme- 
diately give the patient to drink, apple vinegar, apple cider, 
or if this cannot be had, give lemon juice or lemon. As relief 
appears to manifest prominently, administer teaspoonful doses 
of castor oil. These attentions must be promptly administered, 
loss of time in these cases means seriousness if not death. If 
there is a burn on the surface, bathe it with the above, and 
then apply vaseline. 



732 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Concentrated lye should not be permitted sold in the mar- 
kets unless every box be conspicuously labeled Poison, to con- 
stantly remind those who have to handle it of its danger. It 
can be thus labeled and classed so that grocers may sell it as 
they do at present. 

ANTIDOTE FOR STRYCHNINE POISON. 

Bromine and a number of other remedies are recommended, 
but none of which would be likely to be more easily obtained 
than a physician, and while waiting for either the patient may 
die, as this poison is a rapid worker. Send for a physician, 
but make the best efforts you can to save life. If sweet milk 
can be had give the patient all he can drink ; if the milk can- 
not be had, add salt to hot water, and have the patient to 
drink freely, all he can. If the patient cannot drink, place a 
handful of salt in a quart of water, and administer it as in- 
jection per rectum. 

REMEDY FOR LOCK-JAW. 

Warm turpentine poured into a wound, no matter where the 
wound is located on the body, will produce instant relief from 
lock-jaw, it is said. The writer has forgotten where this in- 
formation was obtained. Turpentine is rapidly diffusive and is 
doubtless as effective in this condition as reported in the above. 

A continuous application of hot water over the region of 
the locked jaw will relieve it in some cases. See the author's 
treatment for lock-jaw elsewhere in this book. 

FOR RESUSCITATING THE APPARENTLY DROWNED. 

In conditions of apparent death from drowning, for restor- 
ing breathing the writer's method given in the treatment of 
electric wire accidents, will doubtless serve in these cases. One 
of the chief and immediate needs in these cases is usually neg- 



EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 733 

lected quite too long — that of getting the patient warm ; this 
part of the treatment should be hastened quite as much as any 
other part of the treatment. Efforts to bring breathing must 
be made, but success cannot be had from those efforts 
alone. 

APOPLEXY. 

In conditions of apoplexy place the patient on the side a 
moment, then on the back, then on the side, and on the back, 
making the movements gently. Grasp a handful of salt and 
add it to half a gallon of hot water, and administer it as in- 
jection per rectum. Apply heat to the feet, hot water if possi- 
ble, and permit the patient to inhale or smell aqua ammonia, 
or spirits of camphor. Soon as patient can swallow give sups 
of hot water, hot as can be supped. Rub the hands and feet a 
bit briskly a few moments. Add ten drops of tincture of nux 
vomica, to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of the 
mixture every ten minutes, till three or four doses have been 
given, when betterment will be seen to begin manifesting. If 
betterment has manifested, in an hour a dose of the anti-bilious 
physic should be given, and then let the patient remain quiet. 
The writer has had success in bringing up with the above 
treatment cases whose life was spared for several years more. 

FAINTING. 
Place the patient on the back with the head a little lower 
than the rest of the body, loosen any clothing that may be 
confining, as the collar or the belt, sprinkle cold water in the 
face, and hold aqua ammonia, spirits of camphor, or vinegar 
to the nose and apply a little about the nose and mouth. As 
soon as the patient can swallow, give the following: Take nux 
vomica, ten drops; water, four ounces. Mix. Give a teaspoon- 
ful every fifteen minutes, till three or four doses are given, then 
give a dose every hour to every two hours. If the nux vomica 



734 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

is not at hand, add five drops of spirits of camphor to the 
same quantity of water, and give as above. Hot water alone, 
given to sup freely, is also restorative. 

TO REMOVE DUST OR CINDERS FROM THE EYES. 

To remove dust, cinders, or many other foreign bodies from 
the eyes, dip a silk rag or other soft fabric in spirits of cam- 
phor, and with it touch the corner or angle of the eye permit- 
ting a little camphor to enter the eye. Tears will flow freely, 
thus washing the article to the corner of the eye, where it may 
be easily removed. The spirits of camphor also allays the 
inflammation caused by the irritating substance. 

BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 

THINGS TO BE REMEMBERED IN THE TREATMENT OF THE EYES. 

The first prime importance in curing all ailments of the 
eyes, is to first place the system in normal condition. To effect 
this the excretory functions must be increased by rousing the 
biliary action of the liver. Then but little local treatment will 
be found necessary. In addition to the above, hot water baths 
to the eyes will cure nearly every case of sore eyes of all de- 
scriptions, using the water as hot as can be borne, this doing 
so nearly all that a local remedy can do. In cases of granu- 
lated sore eyes spirits of camphor added to the bath and a 
little of it permitted to enter the eyes, administering the bath 
twice a day, morning and evening, does that which is needed 
in the case ; it disperses the inflammation and the granulations, 
giving a betterment of feeling and condition from the first 
bath, and continuing to recovery. In conditions of ulcerations, 
and the tired and inflamed feeling, essence of peppermint ap- 
plied over the lids, in the temples and around under the eyes 
gives most excellent results. Also, the camphorated vaseline 
applied in the same way. The oil of wintergreen applied in 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 735 

this same way serves well in some cases. The capsicum tea 
applied in the same way is good. These remedies to be used in 
addition to the hot water baths, and the taking of the medi- 
cines for cleansing the blood. 

VALUABLE OBSERVATIONS ON LONGEVITY. 

The natural conditions which are conducive to long and 
healthful life are : Born of parents who both desired an off- 
spring, who are pure, free from physical and mental taint. 
Keep the mother surrounded with that which gives comfort, 
contentment, happiness, and then feed the infant on its moth- 
er's milk. Exercise as great regard for physical as for mental 
training in youth. Keep constantly alive in the child's mind 
that both father and mother are worthy of its love and re- 
spect. Clean air, clean water, clean foods, clean habits and 
plenty of them all. Plenty of undisturbed sleep in nature's 
time for it. An attractive home and living in it. Have no 
hours to use disastrously, but have constant, honest occupa- 
tion, both physically and mentally. This is secured by con- 
stant vigilance. 

From the substance of the investigations of Sir George 
Humphrey of the life histories of centenarians in England, with 
a view to ascertain the cause and circumstances of longevity, 
and which report was published by the Collective Investiga- 
tion Committee of the British Medical Association in 1887, the 
following is gleaned : That the men and women who attained 
great age were almost invariably lean people, of spare habit, 
and moderate in eating and drinking. 

Of thirty-seven, three took no animal food ; four, very 
little; ten a moderate amount; and only one acknowledged 
taking much meat. With regard to alcohol, the returns were 
much the same, absteminousness was found to be the rule of 



736 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

life of those centenarians. This does not encourage eating to 
engorgement. 

It seems not to have entered the minds of many that each 
body makes its own disease to by far the greatest extent. 
The body during its life is living and dying every day; death 
means decomposition, and decomposition is more or less marked 
with offensive odor. When your breath, sweat, body, clothes, 
the room you inhabit, your bed clothes, the air around you is 
contaminated with offensive odors emanating from you, it is 
an alarm sign to house-clean your body-house. 

For the inside cleaning begin to dislodge the bad stock by 
taking the active remedies to disperse it, salts, the anti-bilious 
physic or some such dirt remover. 

For ventilating your room, open the windows and doors 
and the breezes will do the rest of the work in dispersing bad 
odors. 

Worry wiil kill. Discontent will kill, and disappointment 
will kill. While one sided work or work that calls into exer- 
cise one set of muscles, or one set of nerves, or organs, or 
functions exclusively is harmful, and if periods of rest are not 
supplied will prove destructive; not alone destructive to these 
individual parts but reflexedly to the entire structure; those 
sets of nerves or muscles which have not been called into ac- 
tivity, being weak from non-use, readily yield to the reflex de- 
structive influence of the others; yet worry and discontent are 
more destructive. A period of rest to a part or set of parts 
will permit the gathering up of the forces, a renewal of the 
lost energies and a re-establishment of the harmony in the 
machinery, but the worry and discontent permeate every part 
of the entire structure and by their combined corrosion eat 
out the very vital of the entire being. Periods of rest, rec- 
reation, and placid content are great aids to preserve health. 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 737 

TURPENTINE AS A LAXATIVE. 

Oil of turpentine as a laxative in diphtheria, was used by 
Dr. J. M. Ward, in 1860, resulting in cures, it was reported. 
Water containing salt was used as a gargle, and baths were 
administered. Turpentine is the remedy intended to be used. 

TO PREVENT SUPPURATION IN WOUNDS. 

Take calendula, three ounces; water one ounce. Mix, and 
apply to cuts, bruises, and lacerated wounds, keeping the parts 
constantly wet with it. Healing progresses with but very little 
suppuration. This calendula mixture would doubtless be use- 
ful as an application to the surfaces in conditions of smallpox, 
lessening suppuration and disfiguration and hastening 
healing. 

FOR DISPERSING OFFENSIVE ODORS FROM SORES. 

Make a poultice of dried figs cooked in milk, and apply to 
the offensive ulcer, or sloughing sore. In addition to it dis- 
persing the offensive odor, it favors healing. 

CUTS, WOUNDS, AND BRUISES GENERALLY. 

An instruction that will meet very many accidental minor 
injuries, and many others is, cleanse the injury from dirt, 
blood, and other hurtful substances, bring the edges of the 
wound as near together as possible, stitch, or confine in place 
with adhesive or court plaster ; over this place lint or cotton 
and confine in place by means of a bandage applied just suffi- 
ciently firm to support or brace the parts. Saturate this dress- 
ing and keep it saturated with the calendula mixture, one 
part, and water, three parts, mixed. This promotes healthy 
healing of the injuries, keeping reduction of inflammation, and 
promotes healing without destruction of tissue in many cases. 

34- 



738 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ANOTHER REMEDY FOR REMOVAL OF SWELLINGS. 

Take turpentine, one gill; vinegar, half a pint; eggs, three. 
Beat the eggs well, then add the other remedies, and mix. 
This is valuable in removing swellings and inflammations from 
the throat, in sore throat and tonsilitis. It is good applied 
over the chest in pneumonia. It also greatly aids in dispelling 
croup and removing various sorenesses. 

PROGRESSIVE ALCOHOLISM. 

Progressive alcoholism is, excess, moral degeneracy, brutal- 
ization, habitual drunkenness, attacks of mania — insanity, 
softening of the brain, hypochondria, melancholia, homicide. 
The inheritance bestowed upon offspring is idiocy, imbecility, 
convulsions, and an unutterable wretchedness. It puts out the 
light of life, curtains and fills the home with dispair, fills 
homes of dependencies and penitentiaries with its victims, cur- 
tains the heavens with darkness and carpets the earth with 
sackcloth and ashes. This picture is not a pretty one for the 
home, nor is such an investment a desirable one. 

THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE TREATMENT OF THE 

EYES. 

Too much, and too severe medicine put in the eyes is de- 
structive — is worse than none at all. Never permit caustic, 
burning, excoriating medicines put into the eyes. If you want 
to get the eyes well, to do so is not by using remedies that 
make a condition worse than the condition that you are 
seeking to get rid of. The first necessary in attempting to 
cure any case of sore eyes is to cleanse the system of its 
biliousness or morbidness, remove this from the blood by 
rousing the liver to do its work. 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 739 

OLD DOMESTIC REMEDY FOR CURING CHILLS. 

Butternut bark tea and capsicum tea have been used with 
success as a domestic remedy for curing chills, the intermittent 
fever. The capsicum (the cayenne pepper) is near being the 
best tonic stimulant we have in remedies. The usual mode of 
taking is, fifteen to twenty drops of the capsicum tea, in syrup 
or on sugar, three times a day. And the butternut bark tea 
about an ounce taken each day. 

Talent without learning is superior to learning without 
talent and tact outstrips them both. 

WHAT THE PEOPLE DO. 
About three-fourths of the people eat, drink, work and 
sleep, the others think. The first are the world builders, and 
the second its architects. Every age must have both, one is 
indispensable to the other, and neither can do the work of 
both; yet every emanation of the architects must pass the 
crucial test of the builders to prove its utility. 

APPLES AS A MEDICINE. 
Apples cost but little to supply them plentifully. They are 
ministering angels from the fruit world — the queen of the fruits, 
bringing great stores of good health, leaving happy remem- 
brances of headaches cured, indigestion cured, rheumatic aches 
and pains dispersed, complexions cleared, and excretory func- 
tions normal. 

ANOTHER CURE FOR ITCH. 
To cure itch, scaly or dry scald, and scabies with inveter- 
ate itching, wipe over the affected parts with the following: 
Take castor oil, two drachms ; oil of cade, four drachms. Mix 
and apply as above, once a day ; repeat the application every 
day so long as necessary. Also, take resin benzoin, twelve 
grains, and vaseline, three ounces. Mix and anoint the affected 



740 THE MEDICAL, ADVISER. 

parts, once a day, or just before going to bed at night being 
the best time. This remedy cures many cases of the above 
appearance. 

A CURE FOR RHEUMATISM. 
Drink sweet cider every day, drink all you can of it, and 
continue it for two or three weeks if necessary. Drink the 
home made cider that is free from anything but itself. 

FOR THAT HEADACHE, THAT DIZZY HEAD. 
When that headache appears, that the head feels dizzy and 
a sense of fullness as if it would burst, your limbs will not stay 
awake, feel a numbness pretty well all over, legs and feet 
swelled, and puffy face, condition of flatulency, sluggish urinary 
and alvine excretions, nasty, yellow, pasty skin, the situation 
calls for a washing out and off of the system — a general scav- 
enging. If time is of much value to the subject the most thor- 
ough and quickest method is the one desired. The alcohol vapor 
bath taken to produce free perspiration, then wrap in woolen 
blankets and keep the sweating up for twenty minutes or half 
an hour; then sponge-bathe the body, using hot water, and 
drying the body quickly and briskly with a coarse towel. 
Take a dose of the anti-bilious physic, resume the recumbent 
position and remain quiet for a while. This is a most excellent 
laundering of the system, bringing an exceedingly great degree 
of new spring to the whole bodily economy. If the alcohol 
vapor bath can not be had, sponge-bathe the body with water 
hot as can be used, soaking the feet well in the hot water. 
Dry the body as above directed and take the medicine. 

PERIODIC MANIFESTATIONS. 

If there is a manifest symptom periodic in its appearing, as 
of chilly sensations, or fever exhibitions, recurring at about the 
same hour each succeeding day, every second day, or third day, 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 741 

or seventh or ninth day, for immediate relief cinchonidia may 
be given. For an adult, give two grains for a dose. A dose 
taken at seven and nine o'clock each morning serves the best. 
Taking it from three to five days will suffice. But in all cases, 
however, to disperse the condition and get well, it is necessary 
to get the systemic condition right, and when this is done 
there is no periodicity of bad symptoms appearing. For obtain- 
ing this necessary systemic action any of the remedies directed 
in this work that contain podophyllin and cascara, or podo- 
phyllin, yellow dock and bittersweet, may be taken, and the 
good result will be obtained. Or, the capsules (see remedies in 
this book) may be taken and good will result. 

ULCERATION OF THE SOFT PALATE. 

The ulceration of the soft palate is not so frequently met; 
when met it is frequently due to the excessive use of tobacco. 
Some cases are due to syphilitic taint or poison in the blood, 
and both of these varieties sometimes prove very obstinate to 
cure. 

Local treatment alone is not sufficient. Using the proper 
medicines, they are quite helpful, but there is much that must 
be done to lift the system out of the condition. For local 
treatment, a morning and evening treatment is sufficiently fre- 
quent; this leaves some time for the system to take benefit 
from the treatment and by this aid and its own energies adjust 
itself to getting well. For the morning treatment and cleans- 
ing, add fifteen drops of essence of peppermint to a tablespoon- 
ful of glycerine, mix, and thoroughly well saturate a mop-swab 
with it, introduce it well down between the tonsils and with a 
wiping movement bringing out of the swab. By this method 
the parts are both cleansed and medicated. For the evening 
treatment, add fifteen drops of turpentine to a tablespoonful 
of castor oil, and use as directed to do with the glycerine mix- 



742 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

ture. For local treatment it is rare that any additional treat- 
ment will be found neeessary. In exceedingly severe cases, and 
cases of long standing, a noon treatment may be added con- 
sisting of the following : Make a strong sage tea, strain it, 
and add sufficient sugar to make it near a syrup ; add to it 
an even teaspoonful of golden seal in powder; half as much 
powdered borax. Mix well, and cleanse and wash about the 
palate and tonsils as directed for the above treatments. 

For the systemic betterment the following will not dis- 
appoint you : Take fluid extract of yellow dock, two ounces ; 
glycerine, simple syrup and essence of peppermint, of each, two 
ounces; fluid extract of may apple root, one drachm. Mix well. 
Take one teaspoonful half an hour before the dinner and sup- 
per, for three days ; then continuing taking a dose once a day, 
to a dose every other day, to every fourth, fifth or seventh 
day, extending the time of taking as betterment exhibits. The 
taking of doses is not frequent, but it gives the cure, and as 
quick as it can be effected. The treatment is not severe, for 
there is no severe treatment needed. Severe treatments are 
always harmful. No cauterizings, no excoriations are needed. 
You want a cure, not a persecution. 

A PALATABLE PHARMACOPIA. 

Apples, grapes, oranges, pineapples, onions, tomatoes and 
bananas form a most excellent and admirable pharmacopia. 

NERVOUS PROSTRATION. 

For nervous prostration give mental and bodily rest, and 
establish the excretions and promote nutrition. Muscular and 
mental exercise must both be active, yet both may be unduly 
taxed. Excretion and nutrition must also be dutiful, or there 
is a destructive discord, a worsing, and death, or fearful crip- 
plement if these partners are not placed on agreeable terms; 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 743 

they only do well when harmonizing in the activities. For the 
medicine needs see elsewhere in this book. 

VEGETARIANS. 

Vegetarians are especially genial, polite, and even tempered, 
while animal meat eaters are brusk, coarse and irritable. 

HEAT SORES AND COLD SORES. 

Both excessive heat and excessive cold will develop a form 
of pustules or little sores, usually confined to the face, but 
may appear on any part of the body unduly exposed. It usu- 
ally disappears without any special treatment. Occasionally 
they become uncomfortable, and when such is the case, bathe 
the affected parts with hot water, and apply the following: 
Add one drachm of tincture of benzoin to three ounces of 
water, and apply it once daily. This treatment not only 
hastens a cure, but it gives tone to the skin thus enabling it 
to resist the effects of heat and cold. 

LONG LIFE. 

Long life and much happiness awaiteth him who liveth 
virtuously, keepeth the sewers of the body free from obnoxious 
impurities which if left in the body, befuddleth the brain, caus- 
ing the subjects to do all sorts of mean things under the hal- 
lucination that they are exceedingly ' 'pious," and they wish to 
guage everybody else by themselves ; these subjects are victims 
of their own poison, which if it be cleaned out of the places it 
inhabiteth, with such trustworthy medicine as the anti- 
bilious remedy, it will greatly purify their consciences and re- 
move the murky veil from their moral vision. 



744 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

OBSERVATION.— DISCONTENT. 

Discontent and unhappiness bring wasting of the body, 
one of its leading features being symptomatic of pulmonary 
consumption. 

FOR THE AGED. 

Aged people should partake freely of apples, bananas, 
grapes and oranges in their daily diet. Also plentiful of milk 
and foods cooked with milk. Do not forget the aged. 

CURE FOR ACNE, AND REMOVAL OF BLOTCHES. 

Take one teaspoonful of sulphur every morning for three 
mornings, omit taking for three mornings, then take a dose 
every third to every seventh day ; add two drachms of tincture 
of benzoin to four ounces of water, mix well and apply every 
day, or so often as the face is washed. This will disperse the 
white spots, blotches and acne that sometimes annoy the faces 
of young men and young women. 

Apples eaten freely, effect a deal of good in these cases — 
spiced with a hearty laugh, kindly disposition, these not far 
distantly followed by muscular exercise — which may consist in 
lightening the burden of those who are performing the menial 
drudgeries that keep the bright cheer in and about the home, 
is also much helpful. 

THE PIECE OF GROUND WE LIVE ON. 

Exceedingly few dwelling houses are surrounded with suffi- 
cient ground to permit of cleanliness, comfort or pleasure. As 
usually constructed on scarce more than enough ground for the 
house to occupy, requires greater superintending and executive 
ability than can exist in human capabilities, that of performing 
miracles, to so conduct the habits of living, if one lives, as to 
even give a suggestion of the above luxuries. 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 745 






Three hundred by three hundred feet should be the least 

. ... / . 

limit of ground for residence houses in cities and towns./ This 

'would permit surroundings congenial to health, ^comfort, and 

pleasure. 

The varied vegetative growths then permissible about a 
dwelling on such a piece of ground, together with the many 
other permissible comforts and privileges, and the freedom 
from the effluvia of over-crowding, being productive of immeas- 
urable good. With such space the habits necessary in living 
could be conducted separately, which would be much wiser 
and agreeable. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

In the home the lives of the members of the household 
should be so intertwined with the finest fiber of the being, 
that the life of each would be bound up in the life of all — 
affectionate, tender, and respectful to each other. 

SUBSTITUTE FOR MORPHINE. 

Hot water used hypodermically is a substitute for mor- 
phine relieving pain quickly, with no bad effects, and the ben- 
efit is lasting. The writer has frequently used it thus with the 
result of quick relief. Hypodermics of hot water stop the 
morphine habit. 

THE EFFECTS OF TAKING ARSENIC AS MEDICINE. 

Arsenic is poison. Taking it as a medicine leaves the vic- 
tim a sickly bloat (arsenic fattened). It is a bad substitute 
for nothing. Don't take it. 

There are many persons who could not increase the de- 
posits of fat in their body one ounce. 



746 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

FOR SHORTENING THE DURATION OF A FELON. 

Soak the affected finger in hot water, hot as can be borne, 
and for twenty minutes, or half an hour. Relief begins mani- 
festing in a few minutes, and if frequently so treated will dis- 
perse instead of maturing. 

Also, take equal parts of soap and salt, and sufficient bal- 
sam of fir to make a paste, and apply it thick over the spot 
of attack, and renew it daily. In two or three days the core 
can be lifted out, and healing proceeds. But little pain is ex- 
perienced. This is an old domestic remedy for shortening a 
felon. 

FOR REMOVING OF ARTICLES SWALLOWED BY 

CHILDREN. 

For removal of articles swallowed by children, as buttons 
or other articles, give the patient slippery elm mush. Or, 
creamed potatoes to eat. Success has followed the taking of 
both of the above. 

AN OLD DOMESTIC REMEDY FOR SORE THROAT. 

Take mullein leaves and pour over them hot vinegar suffi- 
cient, apply them very hot over the sore throat, and cover 
with a silk or woolen cloth. This is of much value in malig- 
nant sore throat, mumps, quinsy, ulcers, tumors and facial 
neuralgia, also for removing swellings from sprains and bruises. 

REMOVAL OF DISCOLORATIONS FROM BRUISES. 

To disperse discolorations, the quickest and most satisfac- 
torily efficient means is by sweating. The sweating may be 
effected by the vapor bath or by exercise. The sweating pro- 
duced by exercise is the quickest disperser. 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 747 

QUICK RELIEF FOR STRANGUARY. 

Stranguary, irritation of the prostate and neck of the blad- 
der, constant desire to urinate, passes but little urine, dark 
colored and perhaps streaked with blood, give a dose of the 
anti-bilious physic, and after the action of this remedy has sub- 
sided, which will be in about five to six hours, (though much 
betterment will manifest in a very short time), administer a 
hot water sitz-bath continuing it for about twenty minutes to 
half an hour. Many cases require no more treatment than the 
one dose of medicine above directed and the hot water sitz- 
baths taken for eight or ten days every day. Cases more se- 
vere in addition to the above treatment, take a dose of the 
remedy containing cascara and podophyllin, directed in this 
book in the treatment of uraemia, every third to every fifth or 
every seventh day or night. During the greatest severity take 
the hot water sitz-baths three times a day. This brings a 
speedy cure, not disappointment nor prolonged suffering. 

The conditions when arising at any time are due to a morbid 
systemic condition, chiefly to the kidneys at fault. But the 
manifestation of these conditions largely confines to advancing 
and advanced life, and is much due to the decline progressing 
in the body passing down the sunset side of life — to all of the 
functions of life becoming more and more feebly performed. 
Severity may be augmented by impropriety of habits either ex- 
isting or having existed. 

HEMOSTATIC POWDER. 

"Professor Bonafor, at a meeting of the Academy of Medi- 
cine at Paris, spoke of equal parts of colophony, carbon and 
gum arabic mixed, forming a hemostatic of sufficient strength 
to arrest the bleeding from large arteries." — Med. and Surgical 
Reporter. 



748 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

VALUE OF FLUSHING THE COLON. 

The value of flushing the colon with hot water, and the 
hot water sitz-bath to extend over the abdomen, in low fevers, 
fevers of all types, colic, cholera, cholera morbus, cholera infan- 
tum, appendicitis, dysentery, abdominal pains, hemorrhoids and 
habitual constipation, can scarcely be overrated. This treat- 
ment may be used, watching the progress toward recovery and 
lengthening the time as improvement manifests, and discontin- 
ued when no longer needed. Once taking is sufficient except in 
cases of great severity, and at night just before the usual time 
of going to bed, is the best time. 

Light is essential to life, both physically and mentally. 

REMEDY FOR THAT DRY HUSKY THROAT. 

For the dry husky feeling in the throat of speakers and 
singers, take hot water baths, especially foot baths, and take 
the following three times a day : Take essence of peppermint 
and glycerine, of each two ounces ; tincture of golden seal, half 
an ounce; syrup, one ounce. Mix. A teaspoonful is a dose. 

A MORBID CONDITION REQUIRING PROMPT 

ATTENTION. 

The cellular tissues exhale a serous fluid, which when the 
functions of the economy are normally performed is eliminated 
and excreted from the body by the urinary organs and sweat 
channels, chiefly; this fluid contains detritus of the body, and 
probably some excess, which is of no further use in the economy 
of the body, and if retained is injurious ; becoming excessive in 
quantity, general dropsy results, or it may confine to some 
part, resulting in dropsy of the part, but the cause is the same. 
When this condition presents there is deficiency of nutrition, 
and the system is in an atonic condition and progressing de- 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 749 

generacy, it lacks tone, there is deficient elimination and 
excretion. . 

In these cases normal condition of the system must be ob- 
tained, and this excess of fluids must be got rid of. Tapping is 
not permissible, and while baths to promote sweating are help- 
ful and may be used as an aid, they cannot be made to per- 
form all of the task, as excessive bathing is exhausting. Hence 
the other organs of excretion must be made to take up part of 
this work, and nutrition must be promoted, to bring tone or 
strength to the system. For producing these results the fol- 
lowing is efficient: Take bittersweet, yellow dock root of each, 
one ounce ; May apple root, half an ounce ; buchu leaves, half 
an ounce. Place all of these articles in a granite vessel, pour 
over them one and a half pints of boiling water, let it just 
boil up once. Place it to keep warm but not boil, and let stand 
five hours; then strain it (through a piece of cheese cloth will 
do), and add glycerine and simple syrup of each, two ounces, 
and mix well. Take one tablespoonful three times a day for 
three days, omit three days, then take a dose every day, les- 
sening the frequency to three times a week, then to once a 
week, as betterment manifests, will restore to health. 

Also, take sulphur and cream of tartar, of each, two heaped 
tablespoonfuls ; podophyllin, one grain. Thoroughly mix and 
divide into forty powders. The first day take one powder every 
six hours till three have been taken, omit one day, then take 
one every second to every fourth to every eighth day. Either 
of the above mixtures gives the desired result, the cure. 

APPARENT DEATH FROM CONVULSIONS. 
In cases of apparent death from convulsions, apply hot 
water as hot as not to burn, over the region of the heart, 
continuing the application for some time, giving time for re- 
viving to take place. 



750 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

COLIC. 

In conditions of colic, appendicitis, stricture, lock-jaw, con- 
vulsions, oft repeated injections per rectum will give relief. To 
a quart of the hot water used for this purpose, add half a 
drachm of tincture of lobelia, and ten drops of tincture of 
capsicum, and administer. 

MELANCHOLIA.-INSANITY. 

Melancholia and insanity are very frequently due to a gen- 
eral morbid condition of the health long continued, deficient 
elimination of the urinary and alvine excretion from the econ- 
omy of the system. When even slight symptoms of either mel- 
ancholia or insanity exhibits, look at once to treatment on 
these lines, and next to the mental worriment and taxing vex- 
ations that surround the patient. Hundreds and hundreds of 
cases will cast off all symptoms of insanity and melancholia, 
and no further materialization of them will manifest, if a thor- 
oughly and quickly acting medicine is given to free the system 
of morbid accumulations by way of the kidneys and bowels, 
and relieving the subjects of unpleasant environments. This is 
especially true in the very largest number of cases, no matter 
what age nor which one of the sexes in which these conditions 
manifests. Other factors that augment these conditions in 
males are vicious habits, as drinking intoxicants, smoking and 
chewing tobacco, and other excesses. An immediate paroxysm 
usually yields to the following treatment, and starts the 
patient on the road to recovery. If the patient is not too 
much overcome to be induced to swallow, give a dose of the 
anti-bilious physic, (see remedies in this book) and let remain 
quiet. Betterment will ensue in two hours or two and a half 
hours. If the patient cannot be induced to swallow, admin- 
ister an injection of hot salt water per rectum. And if in an 
hour betterment is not seen to follow, administer a second in- 



BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 751 

jection. As soon as the patient can be induced to swallow 
give the medicine directed above. Use this treatment and the 
sufferer will be relieved, will be spared the worse than death — 
the ending of life in an insane asylum, and you will save 
your family name from the brand of insanity. 

After alvine dejections have been seen following the taking 
of the medicine above directed, no more medicine must be given 
for forty -eight hours. Then begin and give a dose of the rem- 
edy directed in the treatment of uraemia in this book and give 
a dose every third, fifth or seventh night for a month or six 
weeks. An alcohol vapor bath may be given once a week. 

Try the above line of treatment and you will be surprised 
at the clearness of mind and satisfaction with self that will 
result. The efforts will not be regretted. 

RELIEF IN SUDDEN SWELLINGS. 

For relief in sudden swellings from bruises, hurts or strains, 
with discolorations and pain, apply a mustard plaster. For 
this purpose use one part flour and two parts of ground mus- 
tard. Mix it well together and moisten it with hot water suf- 
ficiently to spread smoothly, (not sloppy), and apply warm, 
(not cold), next to the skin over the part. It gives almost 
instant relief from pain, prevents blood poison, removes inflam- 
mations, swellings and discolorations. 

FOR THAT FILLED-UP THROAT. 

For that filled-up throat— patient threatening to smother 
to death, the throat inflamed, swelled, tonsils covered with 
leathery or tenacious exudations and more coming — make an 
old-fashioned mop-swab, saturate it with glycerine, press down 
the tongue, introduce the mop-swab and wipe between the ton- 
sils, removing and bringing out the accumulations. Let the 
sufferer rest five or ten minutes, then give a few sups of hot 



752 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

water to which a few drops of essence of peppermint have been 
added. In four hours treat the throat in the same way, but 
this time use castor oil, to a teaspoonful of which is added ten 
drops of turpentine. In four hours repeat the treatment, this 
time using the glycerine and peppermint, (ten drops of essence 
of peppermint added to a teaspoonful of glycerine), continuing 
the treatment so long as necessary, alternating the remedies 
as above. This frequency of treatment is for severe cases. If 
the case has been exceedingly severe, give a teaspoonful of the 
mixture containing cascara and podophyllin, directed in this 
work in treatment of uraemia. Give a dose every six hours till 
alvine dejections are seen. 



PART ELEVENTH. 



SHORT STOPS.— OBSERVATIONS OF VALUE. 



It is evident from every source that medicine alone cannot 
give the cures we so much desire to have. There are many 
side lines, if we may so call them, that are decidedly helpful in 
effecting every cure. And while much of this may seem simple 
of itself, the writer fails to see where the squabble should come 
in if it is a cure that the sufferer wants; if it is that the 
sufferer wants to simply be twaddled with some mystifying 
nothingness, a species of voodooism, instead of intelligent treat- 
ment, well that calls for a different qualification in the physi- 
cian who is called to treat the case. There are many patients, 
however, of this type, and they prove the most perplexing cases 
that are met, often taxing the attendant to the utmost, and 
frequently his or her efforts fail to so normalize the mental 
eccentricity sufficiently to restore the patient to bearable normal 
mental condition. A great many people appear to think that 
no intelligent remedy can be of service in curing their ailments, 
at least they appear to think that a remedy of which they 
know its name cannot possibly meet the requirements of their 
special case. And doubtless this is true in some cases, as in 
these cases the most serious ailment that afflicts them is igno- 
rant eccentricity; but if they happen to have a full pocket, and 

35- 



754 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

some of them do, they usually find the "skilled" physician who 
is able to treat their "special" case. In many of these cases if 
the physicians could supply them with a little good common 
sense and administer an active physic, they would be quite 
healthy citizens. 

These people as soon as they learn what a remedy is, with 
them it loses all its virtue, (in their mind) ; to this class of 
people you could give snake soup or any old thing, and they 
will take it both readily and freely so long as they are kept in 
ignorance of what the article really is. These people appear 
to think that if a remedy embodies anything that they (these 
people) could even speak the name of it, well, it immediately 
becomes a worthless remedy, and that, too, when it may have 
been the only remedy that they have taken that really did them 
any good. 

The greatest intelligence that is required to teach this class 
of people must be exercised in constantly keeping what is 
done for them clothed and hid in mystery, and under such 
management and treatment, it is astonishing what these peo- 
ple will do and accept as scientific, when in fact its real em- 
bodiment is pure and unadulterated voodooism and humbug- 
gery. 

There are many persons, not only women but men as well, 
who take pride in never doing any thinking, neither in business 
nor in the care of their health ; they jump at conclusions without 
thought, and accept the most unsound opinions of others, they 
would rather do without the comforts and blessings of life, and 
pose as invalids all their lives, than to take an active place in 
the busy world and assume the responsibilities of honestly 
making their living. They are the hardest patients to get 
well. 



SHORT STOPS. 755 

Learn to understand something sensible about the human 
body. There are six great principles to recognize in the pres- 
ervation of health and the cure of disease; these are moral 
purity, excretion, nutrition, cleanliness, exercise and rest, each 
and every one of which is absolutely necessary. There is noth- 
ing mysterious in the meaning of these principles that any one 
of ordinary intelligence can not understand. Learn to know 
that if you practice evil habits that sooner or later you must 
suffer the consequences. Learn to know that if yoa take into 
your body solids and fluids in bulk several times the size of 
your body in a ten days, that there is certainly a great 
amount of surplus that must be gotten rid of during this time, 
or make trouble. 

Many attacks of sickness or disease are self-limited, with a 
disposition to recover with only rest and proper nutrition as 
aids. Unduly large abdomens are due to over-eating, over- 
drinking, dropsy, being on the feet too long, especially during 
and immediately following gestation, and to gaseous accumu- 
lations. 

AN OBSERVATION WELL WORTH REMEMBERING. 

Never lose sight of this fact : The more simple the agent 
-which is used to arouse nature to a healthy action when dis- 
ease is in the system, the better it is for the safety and well- 
being of the patient. At the first appearance of symptoms of 
sickness commence to effect a cure. Do not wait till every fiber 
of the body is permeated and the vital energies are destroyed, 
before attempting relief. Nor do not be perpetually dosing. 
Take the remedy that with the fewest doses gives back a bet- 
terment and an eventual cure the quickest. 

In cases of injury, especially those followed by shock, sec- 
ondary hemorrhage may be expected and should be provided 
against as there is great danger of profuse and great loss of 



756 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

blood at this time, although there may not have been much 
loss at the time of the immediate injury ; relaxation is present 
from the tonicity of the system being at least partly lost, hence 
a freer exit of blood is permitted. Time and rest are essential 
to the cure of disease — time to eliminate the abnormal, and 
time for rest to restore, or repair. Bear this necessity of time 
for rest and repair in mind when expecting a cure. Disease, or 
the destruction of tissue is not stopped or cured or repair 
effected spontaneously. 

Dr. Hall did not over-rate the value of hot water in the 
cure of disease. As a curative agent its value has not been 
estimated. Hot water taken before meals influences the natu- 
ral secretions of the digestive fluids, and retains the tempera- 
ture of the stomach necessary for digestion to go on, and 
favors excretion by giving tone to the alimentary viscera. 
These properties render it of great value in promoting diges- 
tion and assimilation so necessary in effecting a cure in all 
conditions of disease, and especially in cases where there is 
great wasting of the body, as in fevers and the condition called 
pulmonary consumption. 

By this it is not to be understood that the patient must 
be kept soaked in hot water, nor that he be flooded with it, 
but that it be used intelligently and sufficiently. A teacupful 
of hot water taken during a forenoon is frequently more bene- 
ficial than medicine and many times more good comes from its 
use. Occasional sups of hot water will stop persistent vom- 
iting, which medicines have not accomplished; and a cup of 
hot water taken just before retiring will bring sleep to the 
weary eyes, and quiet to the wild and racking nerves. A soak- 
ing hot water bath to the feet and legs, taken just before 
retiring, will send a thrill of comfortable and good feeling 
throughout the system that no other medicine of which we 



SHORT STOPS. 757 

know can accomplish, and that too with no bad after-effect, 
as is the case in giving the usual sleep-pursuaders — the usual 
narcotics. 

And there is scarcely a measure of the good, systemic effect 
obtained from taking an injection of hot water per rectum, 
every night, to every other, or every third or fourth night, in 
by far the greatest times of our unpleasant feeling. 

Cold water depresses vital force ; and when taken during 
meals or just before meals, it produces a temperature unfavor- 
able for the process of digestion to go on, and which must be 
regained at an unnecessary expense of the energies before diges- 
tion can go on. 

HOT AIR. 

Hot air, or dry heat, is a valuable pain reliever, care being 
exercised to not prolong its administration to too great length ; 
it relieves pain and betters the condition without any of the 
depressing effects common to drugs. It is a stimulant to rapid 
repair and recovery. Used in addition to proper constitutional 
remedies, it is of great service. 

OBSERVATIONS ON CONDITIONS FAVORABLE TO 

CARBUNCLE. 

Those persons whose flesh appears to be too solid to ad- 
mit of free and perfect circulation, excretions are generally im- 
properly performed, and much unnecessary materials, especially 
fluids are retained, and nutrition is deficient; this is the condi- 
tion of subjects, generally, that are attacked with carbuncle. 
These subjects are in an ill-nourished condition, the recuper- 
ative powers become incompetent to off-set the retrograde ten- 
dency, and herein lies the danger in conditions of carbuncle. 

The course of treatment pursued must be that which will 
establish excretion by way of the natural out-lets, the kidneys 



758 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

and bowels, and, that will establish nutrition and stop degen- 
eracy. The only way to do this is to rouse the liver to proper 
action, and through this the kidneys will perform their func- 
tion, the system will take on new tone, and by a plentiful 
supply of wholesome foods, recovery will result. 

THE DANGER IN TAKING CHLOROFORM. 

The danger in taking chloroform lies in its effect upon the 
lungs, chiefly. Next to the lungs the brain suffers. Its effect 
upon the heart is not early felt, in fact, but little disturbance 
is felt about the heart. The writer has taken chloroform five 
times, and knows from personal experience about where its 
effects touch the most sensibly. 

It is the opinion of the writer that when death occurs 
from inhaling chloroform it is due to its paralyzing effect upon 
the lungs and brain. And when the fluid is swallowed, or ab- 
sorbed through open wounds, or through the skin, and death 
follows, that death is due to the poisonous effects of the chlo- 
roform direct. The time neeessary to come to complete 
sensibility from its effects varies, from a few hours to seventy 
hours. To be under the influence of chloroform is not a con- 
dition to be desired. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The peoples of the world are simply the human family; the 
different nations are the members of the family, and its dis- 
cords are its family quarrels, and in this respect it is surely a 
racketer, judging from the millions of money that is kept en- 
tombed in deadly -weapons, instead of it being distributed in 
honest channels for the betterment of the home and the com- 
fort of the human family. 



SHORT STOPS. 759 

BACTERIA. 

Vegetation and animals are constantly dying, either by 
natural limitation of life, by accident, or by design, and fermen- 
tative and putrefactive changes producing decomposition, re- 
solve them into their original chemical elements and thus re- 
turn them to earth and air, where they serve as pabulum for 
succeeding generations. Did this change not take place, the 
earth would soon be filled with the dead of animals and vege- 
tables, and the sea would soon be filled, hence new growths, or 
progress in any undertaking would soon be impossible. Decay- 
ing vegetation, refuse, and dead animals of any kind are repul- 
sive to view, and especially so during this transition state. 
Also the loud odors and vapors emitted from them in the pro- 
cess of decomposition, are objectionable, but not from any 
special dangerous germ contained in any of them. While chang- 
ing to the condition of "dust to dust," in the animal matter 
especially, another animal life exhibits called bacteria ; it is only 
a native of this condition of matter, of dead, decomposing 
matter, never exhibits in healthy, living tissue and like the 
matter it feasts on— the dead, decomposed matter, its life is 
limited — soon yielding up its life by limitation. Because of the 
repulsiveness of these objects to view, and the loud odors 
emitted, they should be disposed from view. 

MICROBES. 

"Dr. A. G. Kenthack, in a lecture before the London Insti- 
tute, states that a wine glassful of the best milk sold in Lon- 
don contains about 80,000,000 bacteria; high class ice cream, 
as sold by the West End restaurants, contain about 100,000,- 
000 microbes to the ounce. Dr. Kenthack informed his audi- 
ence that he had eaten this ice cream daily for the past twelve 
months, and seemed to thrive on the diet. He stated that the 
richest foods made by the best cooks are alive with microbes, 



760 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

and that we ourselves, both inside and out, are literally cov- 
ered with all kinds of them. From Nature, London, England." 

OVER-WORK. 

Over-work whether of muscles or brain, is harmful and often 
fatal, is always prostrating, lowering the powers of endurance. 
In cases of exhausting marches, night watches after daily toil, 
continual cramming practiced in some schools, and the per- 
petual drive of business, the destruction and wear is rapid and 
the eliminating organs are over-worked. "Therefore the system 
not only becomes exhausted, but poisoned by the retention of 
poisonous wastes, and when accompanied by insufficient or im- 
proper nutrition, break-downs and fatalities may be expected. 

TRACHEOTOMY. 

Tracheotomy to cure croup is always unjustifiable — never 
cures — always hastens fatality — and the procedure is a poor 
substitute for skill. 

The extremely rich and the extremely poor, alike, suffer 
from too much — the poor from too much poverty, and the rich 
from too much money. 

Aches, smarts, and pains may be mitigated — sometimes 
quickly, but a cure must be "waited for. 

DRINKING WATER. 

Rivers upon which cities and towns are built supply water 
but little purer than the sewers that drain away the filths. 
The wells in these places are but little better. If disease can 
not be "caught" by drinking these waters certainly the body 
is immune. 



SHORT STOPS. 761 

ANOTHER REMEDY FOR REMOVAL OF TAPE WORM. 
The removal of tape worm is reported to have been effected 
by the eating of pineapples. Pineapple is also reported to have 
cured diphtheria. 

OBSERVATION OF THE YOUNG MAN AND YOUNG 

WOMAN. 

The young man and the young woman who make themselves 
useful under all circumstances in their parents' home are mak- 
ing upward and onward advance to prominent usefulness in 
life, as well as escaping many dissolutenesses so plentiful on 
every hand to entrap the unsuspecting. 

TO CLEAR THE VOICE. 

Muriate of ammonia lozenges are said to clear the voice 
wonderfully. 

VIGOROUS POISONS. 
Bichloride of mercury, corrosive sublimate or carbolic acid 
on wounds or as injections, should not be used. They are 
vigorous poisons. There is no doubt in the writer's mind but 
that many cases of gangrene, enteritis, and deaths after sur- 
gery and labor, are due to these agents ; also when recovery 
does come, its retardation is largely due to poison from these 
substances. Something better should be found or stick to 
water. 

A CAUSE OF BLINDNESS. 
A deranged liver and kidneys, and constipated bowels, 
cause extremely severe sore eyes, almost total blindness. Cor- 
rect this wrong and the eyes will get well. 

OBSERVATION. 

Sharpness in argument does not show soundness in judg- 
ment nor soundness of doctrine. 



762 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

A REMEDY TO BRING OUT THE MEASLES. 

Catnip tea with a good pinch of sulphur added to it, and 
given to the patient to freely drink, will bring out the measles 
in very many cases. 

THE "NATURAL BONE-SETTER." 

Sweet was called the "Natural Bone-Setter", but it was no 
more natural for him to set a bone than for any one else, if the 
any one else had ^studied and learned. Sweet was called a 
"quack" and treated with contempt by persons who thought 
themselves to be physicians and surgeons. Sweet had learned 
that of the anatomy of the human body which was necessary 
to know to be able to detect dislocations and properly adjust 
them to normal conditions, thus proving a superiority of 
knowledge, hence he was a "quack". 

WHY SO MANY PEOPLE WEAR GLASSES. 

One of the greatest reasons, and it might almost be said 
the greatest reason, why so many people wear glasses is be- 
cause of their bodies being filled with their own useless mate- 
rials, which, not having been excreted from the body, overload 
the blood. In these cases the eyes blur, do not see distinctly, 
do not see clearly; there seems to be a somewhat filmy sensa- 
tion before them, and sometimes achings, occasionally pain. 
The little child of nine to eleven years old with his nose 
mounted with a great brazen pair of spectacles, and his skin 
so stained up with the filths of his inside body's self that he 
would pass for a Pequod indian, and his tongue so thickly and 
nastily coated that for months he has been unable to tell what 
flavor his foods possessed, and his breath would disgust the 
musk-cats, is an attractive advertisement for a skilled diagnos- 
tican, certainly. Certainly there is nothing fascinatingly at- 
tractive in such an exhibit from any standpoint, scientific or 



SHORT STOPS. 763 

otherwise. House-clean the body -house, scavenge, clean out the 
blood, and by far the greatest number of pairs of eyes will not 
be staring out through glasses, especially in infancy, childhood, 
youth, middle life, and there will be seen many, many more un- 
mounted noses reaching far into senile years. 

THOSE NERVES. 

The condition called nervousness is due to the morbid con- 
dition of the general system, and perhaps to exhaustion from 
some work or vexatious worryings. This cause has put the 
road-beds of the nerves in a rocky or roughened condition, and 
to this is due the nerve trouble or disturbance, nervousness, 
nervous prostration. The severity of the condition is frequently 
very greatly augmented by improper medication, and by which 
medication the sufferer may not only be made a physical wreck 
but a mental wreck. 

Place the general health in normal condition, which is best 
done by rousing the liver to biliary action; from this action 
the system will take on a repairative condition, will take up 
the functions of living anew, and then by proper foods, and 
sufficient rest and recreation, the nerves will be found behaving 
themselves. They will be well. 

REMEDY FOR WHOOPING COUGH. 

Take glycerine, olive oil, essence of peppermint, of each, 
two ounces; chionanthus, one drachm; simple syrup, one 
ounce. Mix well. To a child eight months old, near a tea- 
spoonful of this mixture may be given twice or three times a 
day- This remedy loosens up the accumulations in the throat 
so that they may be coughed up, and also greatly aids the 
system to manage the condition better in throwing off the 
distressing and depressing influence of the cough. 



764 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

FREAKS OF SCIENCE IN SURGERY. 

Science in surgery and medicine take such hideous freaks of 
attacking some one part of the human anatomy, and liter- 
ally tear it into shreds and tatters — atoms, as it were (in 
windy words), and hang its fragments on every old advertis- 
ing bush, shrub, and weed, much to the sickening disgust of 
everybody. 

A CURE FOR ULCERATED ERYSIPELAS. 

It is reported that Dr. T. B. King, of Toledo, Ohio, cured 
a very severe case of ulcerated erysipelas on a woman's limb, 
by simply dusting Munsel's salts over the affected parts, twice 
a day; the parts were first cleansed with warm suds. This is 
worth remembering. Some of these cases have proved very 
obstinate to cure. 

REMEDY FOR CATARRH OF THE BOWELS AND DIS- 
TURBANCES OF THE STOMACH. 

In conditions of catarrh of the bowels, there frequently 
manifests nausea, flatulence and sour eructations, pain after 
eating, diarrhea with frequent discharges or tough mucous. 

The following remedies give good results in this condition : 
Take olive oil, glycerine, and simple syrup, of each, two ounces; 
cinchona cal., one drachm. Mix. Dose for an adult, a tea- 
spoonful. Take a dose half an hour before the two first 
meals; every day. Also, take leptandra, three drops, just be- 
fore retiring. 

A CURE FOR DEAFNESS. 

Deafness from thickening of or inflammation of the ear drum 
is relieved and in some cases cured by the following : Saturate 
a pledget of cotton with a mixture of equal parts of glycerine, 
castor oil and essence of peppermint, and introduce it well into 



SHORT STOPS. 765 

the ear, or ears. The mixture must be used hot. In addition 
to the above treatment, place the general health in the best 
possible condition. 

STRAWBERRY LEAVES FOR TEA. 

It is said that the leaves of the wild strawberry, gathered 
after the ripening of the fruit and dried in the sun or in the 
heated pans, afford a greenish, and a slightly astringent infu- 
sion like that of the Chinese tea, with similar diaphoretic and 
diruetic properties. 

A CURE FOR HOARSENESS. 

The white of an egg beaten with granulated sugar and the 
juice of a lemon, a teaspoonful given every hour, relieves 
hoarseness in many cases. 

TO STOP A FELON. 

W. W. Parker, of Richmond, Virginia, is reported to have 
stated that to apply one or two leeches to a felon, and keep 
up the withdrawal of blood for an hour or two, will end the 
pain and the felon, the pain frequently ceasing before the 
leeches drop off. This is worth remembering, and is worthy of 
trying rather than to suffer a felon to progress to maturity, 
and end with perhaps the loss of part of the finger. 

A SINGULAR CURE FOR JAUNDICE. 

Taking the white of an egg every morning before breakfast 
is said to be effectual in curing the morbid condition we call 
jaundice, and doing so in but a few days. This is certainly 
worth trying, as it is inexpensive, and not unpleasant to take. 



766 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A REMEDY FOR DISPERSING ITCHINGS, IRRITATIONS, 

AND EXCORIATIONS FROM ABOUT THE 

RECTUM AND THE VULVA. 

Take hot water, a quart, and add an even teaspoonful of 
powdered borax, mixing it well. Apply this by means of a 
sponge, using as hot as can be borne, and making several ap- 
plications of the water, at each treatment. Two times a day 
is sufficient, and every day so long as needed. Take the mix- 
ture directed in this book in the treatment of uraemia, the rem- 
edy containing podophyllin and cascara, sufficient to place the 
system in proper condition, and the local annoyance will not 
reappear. A tablespoonful of the mixture taken just before re- 
tiring at night, every night for twice, then every third to every 
fifth night, will in a few daj-s correct the condition. 

"OLD WOMAN'S" REMEDY FOR CROUP. 

Dr. J. S. Leachman, Gallion, La., Eclectic Med. Gleaner, 
July 1899, says that "urine clear is a specific in spasmodic 
croup." 

This was one of the "old woman's" remedies and it had 
about become one of the lost arts, but resurrections are likely 
to take place and no one knows whose spade may bring them 
up. However, in addition to standing by and seeing the above re- 
sult in an exceedingly severe case of croup, many "old women" 
have told me that it not only cured croup, but would break 
up the worst cases of hoarseness. 

REMEDY FOR THE CURE OF BURNS. 

"Dr. Harvath, of Kief, is reported to have claimed to have 
verified that all pain immediately disappears upon immersing 
the part in alcohol, in cases of burns, that the surrounding 
redness passes away, and the wound assumes a healthier 
aspect." (Cent, fuer die Medicin.) The discovery is an import- 



SHORT STOPS. 767 

ant one, as its simplicity of use and readiness of application to 
any part of the body make it very commendable. 

FOR THAT DISCOLORED, DIRTY SKIN. 

When there is great discoloration of the skin, a pale, yel- 
lowish-brown extending about the edges of the hair, the dis- 
coloration appearing in the white of the eyes, the following 
clears the skin and improves the health : Take glycerine, three 
ounces ; olive oil, one ounce ; tincture of buchu half an ounce ; 
simple syrup, two ounces; cinchona cal., three drachms; and 
podophyllin, one grain. Mix. To a child five to eight years 
old, give half a teaspoonful half an hour before meals for three 
days, then continuing giving a dose every third day as long as 
necessary. 

OIL OF SEVEN PINES. 

The oil of seven pines has been recommended as a valuable 
application to wounds and sores, its effect being to promote 
healthy granulations, hastening recovery. 

It is a balsamic product, and possesses a curative, aseptic, 
and hemostatic property similar to spirits of turpentine. I do 
not know that it is superior to turpentine, but it doubtless 
meets many of the requirements in many cases of wounds and 
open ulcers. 

ANOTHER CURE FOR KIDNEY TROUBLE. 
When there is fullness in the region of the kidneys, as the 
bladder fills the pain increases, a feeling of fullness in the abdo- 
men after eating, occasionally pain in the back almost unbear- 
able, slightly relieved after passing urine, the following treat- 
ment will place the sufferer in comfortable health again : Take 
the preparation directed in this book in the treatment of 
uraemia, which contains cascara and podophyllin, a dose every 
five hours till biliary alvine dejections have been seen, then 



768 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

take a dose twice to once a week. In addition to the above 
treatment, add one and a half drachms of lycopodium to four 
ounces of water. Mix it well, and take a teaspoonful of the 
mixture three times a day, for five to seven days. 

A VALUABLE LOCAL APPLICATION FOR ENLARGED 

TONSILS. 

Take salt (the common salt we use at table) one part; 
pure hog's lard, or linseed oil, three times as much. Mix it 
thoroughly. Apply it over the swellings without rubbing the 
parts. Apply it morning and evening. It disperses swellings 
and soreness. It is inexpensive and not difficult to obtain. 

TO SOBER A DRUNKARD. 

It is said that a wine glassful of apple vinegar given as a 
drink, will sober a drunkard in twenty minutes. 

DANGER OF "IN THE SWIM." 

The sea of the popular social swim is tempestuous, and 
more drown than reach shore who try its uncertain waves, 
and many of the few who do reach the shore are frightfully 
frazzled. 

FOR THAT ACHING IN THE LIMBS, BODY OR HEAD. 

Take tincture of bryonia, twenty drops ; water, four ounces. 
Mix. Take a teaspoonful every fifteen minutes till four doses 
have been taken, then continuing taking a dose every three 
hours so long as needed. The above aches frequently exhibit 
when a person has taken cold, and in some cases there is very 
annoying nose run. When this condition exhibits, in addition 
to the above, add five drops of tincture of belladonna, to four 
ounces of water, and take a teaspoonful of the mixture every 
twenty minutes till three doses have been taken, then take a 
dose every three hours so long as needed, which will be when 



SHORT STOPS. 769 

the condition is better, or relieved. This remedy may be taken 
in alternation with the above bryonia mixture, after the first 
four doses of the bryonia mixture have been taken, taking 
this remedy half way between the bryonia doses. 

"In maturer years with smiling eyes "we view 
The imperfect scenes which youthful fancy drew." 
But not all suffer with this disease. 

THAT BODY OF YOURS. 

That body of yours, sometime you must exhibit to the 
One who gave it to your care. There will be no disguising 
then, there can be no smoothing over, no glossing and patch- 
ing up by any "specialist" for this occasion, but on the other 
hand the marks and traces, which are the tell-tales of how 
you have kept the charge committed to you, will stand out in 
their fullness. 

LINSEED OIL A CURE FOR ASTHMA. 

Linseed oil is not only valuable as a nutrient, but as a 
medicine, curing some very distressing ailments. The writer's 
attention was first attracted to its medicinal value more than 
twenty-five years ago. The case in which it gave such marked 
relief was a case of asthma. The sufferer, a lady of thirty -five 
years old, suffering with a most severe paroxysmal attack, un- 
able to sleep, lie down, or keep quiet, took half a pint of the 
oil during the night. The result was that the attack dispersed 
and recovery followed. At intervals the next morning she took 
another half pint. She informed me that once a year or once 
in two years was as frequent as she ever had to take it, and 
that it had always given the relief and cure as the writer had 
witnessed. This remedy is not unpalatable, it is moderately 
laxative and is a soothing nutritive. 

36- 



770 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

OILS FOR CHILDREN. 

Heat sweet milk just to the boiling, add the dose of castor 
oil, or olive oil, let remain hot about three or five minutes, 
then remove and give it instead of the oil alone. 

A LINIMENT FOR SPRAINS. 

A very valuable liniment for the above cases, and one that 
is inexpensive, is made as follows: Dissolve a half pound of 
Ivory soap in half a pint of water; dissolve two ounces of 
camphor gum in half a pint of turpentine ; mix these two rem- 
edies and add half a pint of alcohol and one ounce of tincture 
of arnica and mix well. It is now ready for use. Apply, using 
all that the part will take up. 

In addition to the above use, it is valuable for applying 
over the region of the kidneys in conditions of distressed feel- 
ings about these organs. And many aches and pains will dis- 
perse from its use. 

ANTI-CONVULSION REMEDY. 

Take lobelia and skunk cabbage, of each, in powder, two 
ounces; dilute alcohol, one pint. Place these remedies in a 
glass jar, close the jar and let stand for fourteen days. Dose 
of the mixture is one-fourth of a teaspoonful to half a tea- 
spoonful every twenty to thirty minutes till relief. It is said 
to produce almost instant relief in convulsions and lock-jaw; 
also in convulsions of pregnancy and labor. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

It is a general law that all professional progress, in what- 
ever branch, is a result of stimulation from without its ranks, 
and has been led up to by the preliminary and progressive 
steps of the lay-people, or the supposed uneducated, hence those 
who are supposed to be incompetent to think out, reason out, 



SHORT STOPS. 771 

or master great problems. No great discoveries, advancements 
or developments are spontaneous, nor are they products from 
the brain laboratory of the scientifically learned. This great 
truth is verified in morals, science, arts, mechanics, but in no 
line is it more prominently and positively proven than in med- 
icine and the treatments of the ailments of the human body. 

OBSERVATIONS OF ABSCESS OF THE LIVER AND 

GALL STONES. 

To know of a certainty that abscess of the liver, either in, 
on, or about it, is impossible, as this organ like all other in- 
ternal organs, is hid from view, and we know no symptoms 
whereby to ascertain such fact ; pain, even continued pain is 
not evidence of such condition, as this much is a well known 
fact, that the location of a pain is not evidence that the cause 
of the pain is located where the pain is. Any and all symptoms 
of what we know, are very misleading ; the head may ache so 
severely as to seem that it would burst, and the cause that led 
up to such manifestation may be far distant from that organ, 
as a constipated condition of the bowels will cause the very 
worst manifestation of head ache, the head feeling swimmy and 
the eyes blurring to near blindness, in addition to the actual 
pain. When such condition as abscess exists and it may occa- 
sionally (we see it in hogs, and some very fine fat ones too), 
it disposes to heal if let alone. 

The morbid condition called gall stone, is quite as much 
benefitted by the cutting process, as aiding it to get well, as 
it would help you to breathe if you tore your lungs out and 
threw them away. The cure of the morbid condition in the 
sickness called gall stone, cannot be either ameliorated or cured 
by cutting, but in every case cutting means death and such re- 
lief could have been obtained more comfortably without such 
trouble. In the treatment of the ailments of the human body, 



772 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

the greatest skill is displayed in curing its ills, not by mutil- 
ating it, but by really making the body whole. The affliction 
commonly given the above name is more frequently gastritis 
and its location confined to the stomach. Hot water and the 
olive oil will not only relieve these cases, but will cure, if per- 
mitted an opportunity to do so. 

OBSERVATION ON FOOD. 

"Some dogs fed exclusively on meat broths, five hundred 
grams, in Yulpia's laboratory, died on the nineteenth day, 
while others to whom water alone had been given, survived 
within one day as long, dying on the eighteenth day — showing 
the negative nutritive value of meat broths." — Bulletine de 
Therap. In the animal meats we obtain a kind of job lot of 
-worn out and effete materials. 

AN OLD DOMESTIC REMEDY FOR ITCH. 

Take sweet gum and pure hog's lard, of each equal parts. 
Mix, and apply over the affected parts. This is said to be a 
certain cure. 

OPACITY OF THE CORNEA. 

In all diseased conditions of the eyes, there must be consti- 
tutional betterment. The blood must be placed in a pure and 
wholesome state. For removing opacity of the cornea, and 
also for removing other spots from the eye, a very small pinch 
of dry calomel blown into the eye is said to clear the opacity 
and remove the spots. This information was given me by a 
gentleman who had used the remedy with the above results. 

WEAK EYES. 

The eyes weaken as the body weakens ; get the body as 
strong as possible, and then the eyes will be found to 



SHORT STOPS. 773 

strengthen, and usually with no more local treatment than hot 
water baths. 

A green wooded, green grassy country is best for the eyes, 
and also for the body, mind and morals. 

ANOTHER REMEDY FOR RING- WORM. 

To speedily cure ring-worm, it is said that to touch it with 
caustic ammonia and it is quickly dispersed. 



The real diamond can stand many a knock and cuff, as it 
only takes the roughness off and brings the beauty out. 



TREATMENT FOR THREATENED CROUP. 

In croup or threatened croup, there is a hoarse metallic 
breathing, and usually an effort to raise mucous; when this 
condition manifests, give the child one and a half grains of the 
triturated podophyllin (see remedies in this book) mixed in a 
little water; it is possible the patient may vomit this up, 
which should it do, there is no harm done, but the child will 
be seen to be much relieved; if the child keeps the dose, there 
will be a systemic action follow that -will break up the spell. 
If the powder is not vomited, permit the child to remain quiet 
for an hour, then make a mop-swab and saturate it well with 
glycerine, and cleanse out the throat. Repeat this cleansing 
twice a day so long as necessary. Should the powder not be 
kept, wait about twenty minutes and give a second powder; 
wet a cloth in cold water and wipe around the mouth and 
under the chin, which usually prevents vomiting, and in a very 
few minutes the child will be resting quietly. The one pow r der 
kept down, is sufficient for a child from a year and a half old 
to two years old. 



774 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

If there has manifested, and continued after the first twenty- 
four hours, much swelling about the tonsils, apply the follow- 
ing liniment: Take glycerine, one ounce; turpentine, half an 
ounce ; spirits of camphor, half an ounce ; essence of peppermint, 
three ounces; and castor oil, half an ounce. Mix. Apply 
twice a day. 

FOR RHEUMATIC JOINTS. 

Take sea salt, or common salt, half a teacupful ; vinegar a 
quart. Mix, and apply this hot to the suffering parts. This 
application relieves pain and reduces swellings. 

A CURE FOR HICCOUGH. 

Hiccough is sometimes stopped by rapid chewing and sim- 
ulating swallowing. Also, a teaspoonful of sugar wet with 
apple vinegar, the sufferer taking it, has given relief. 

FOR REMOVING SUPERFLUOUS HAIR. 

Take three grains of orpiment and one drachm of unslacked 
lime, mix and apply a small portion. Let remain half an hour 
then remove. It is said to be harmless and painless. 

LAC SULPHUR FOR MEMBRANOUS CROUP. 

Dr. C. H. Winslow, of New York City, claimed to have 
used lac sulphur to cure membranous croup for more than 
twenty years, with success. A teaspoonful of the sulphur added 
to three ounces of water, a teaspoonful of the mixture given 
every fifteen minutes, till relief obtained, was the mode of giv- 
ing it. 

REMEDY FOR OLD SORES. 

It is said that raw Irish potatoes scraped, thickened with 
charcoal and freely applied to old sores, will cure them. 



SHORT STOPS. 775 

It is also said that flax seed poultice thickened with pul- 
verized charcoal, and applied to the afflicted part, will check 
mortification and heal the parts. 

Uncolored silk lint is valuable for dressing sores and 
wounds. 

ANOTHER REMEDY FOR CURING RING-WORM, SHINGLES 

AND ITCH. 

Phytolacca, it is said, will cure ring-woim, shingles and 
the prairie itch. It is to be applied incorporated in vaseline. 
No proportionment was given. Thirty drops of the tincture of 
Phytolacca, added to an ounce of vaseline, is about the proper 
proportionment. 

FOR DISPERSING RHEUMATIC SWELLINGS. 

Bathe the affected part in hot water, dry the surface and 
apply over the part a small portion of oil of arnica. 

BURNS FROM CARBOLIC ACID. 

The burns from carbolic acid on the surface of the body 
can usually be relieved by the application of a little alcohol or 
a little castor oil. 

ANOTHER PREVENTION OF SMALL POX. 

A piece of saltpetre the ske of a pea, taken three times a 
day, is said to prevent small pox. It may do so, as it in- 
creases the action of the kidneys, hence it would eliminate the 
abnormal matters from the economy of the body and excrete 
them by way of the urinary organs, and thus prevent them 
from seeking an outlet through the skin. 

Spirits of turpentine, three drops taken three times a day, 
and a few drops placed here and there on the underwear is 
said to prevent small pox. 



776 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

The action of turpentine is eliminative, either taken inter- 
nally, or applied externally, and its work is rapid, hence, it 
may do as above stated. 

AN OLD REMEDY FOR DROPSY AND PILES. 

Take jalap, forty grains; cream of tartar, four ounces; sul- 
phur, four ounces; podophyllin, two grains; and ginger, five 
grains. Thoroughly mix. Take a scant even teaspoonful of 
the mixture, every third, fifth, and seventh days. Thus taking 
will run near a ten days, and this number of doses taken as 
above directed, should be repeated in this way for at least 
two times, when the time of taking may be doubled. This 
will not only cure very bad cases of piles, but it will disperse 
most distressing dropsical accumulations from any part of the 
body. 

REMEDY TO STOP THE FLOW OF BLOOD FROM 

WOUNDS. 

It was reported that a Dr. Bone, of New Jersey, a num- 
ber of years ago, suppressed bleeding from large blood vessels 
by applying powdered leaves of the hard leaf goldenrod to 
the part. 

A CURE FOR ASTHMA. 
For a quick relief for asthma, take whisky and add as 
much salts as the whisky will take up. The sufferer may 
drink what he can short of intoxication. 

DEFINITIONS OF SCIENCE AND QUACKERY. 

The following definitions are worthy of re-record : " Science in 
medicine chiefly consists in tact to pander to the desires of the 
uninformed masses for the unreal, and at the same time to 
pocket the shekels. Quackery consists in curing diseases in an 
honest and sensible way, hence it will always have a welcome 



SHORT STOPS. 777 

place among the people who are in need of relief from physical 
ailments." 

ANOTHER CURE FOR ITCH. 

There are cases of almost intense itchings over the surface 
of the body that sometimes prove very annoying and make 
the person very uncomfortable. The only discoloration that 
appears is due to the irritations to which it is subjected by 
its being rubbed or scratched. Wash well the surface of the 
body with hot water and very plentiful of castile soap, dry 
the surface of the body, then apply the following : Take 
tincture of benzoin, two drachms; water five ounces. Mix, 
and apply twice a day. 

SPANISH NEEDLES. 

It is said that a strong infusion of Spanish needles has 
cured severe cases of croup. The tea was given warrn, in 
tablespoonful doses, every ten to fifteen minutes until vomiting 
resulted. The air passages were cleared by this, immediate 
relief followed, and the patient passed into quiet sleep ; awak- 
ening feeling comfortably well. In a few hours after the vom- 
iting the medicine acted as a cathartic. 

The tea was sweetened with honey. The leaves, after the 
tea was removed from them, were placed in a flannel cloth, 
moistened with brandy and applied over the throat and ehest. 

CALENDULA. 

This remedy has been very much praised as a preventive 
of suppuration and a hastener of healing. Its uses being both 
internal and external, its action may be extensive. In threat- 
ened or manifesting or manifested small pox it should certainly 
be the remedy of unmeasured worth. 



778 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

RAGWEED FOR BOWEL TROUBLES. 

The ragweed has been used as a domestic remedy in bowel 
troubles generally, and is said to be efficient in curing. The 
mode of using was to make a strong tea of it, and drink it 
freely till cured. Probably a half a cupful of the tea twice a 
day would be sufficient. 

A QUICK HELP TO RELIEVE CROUP. 

Take common yellow snuff, a teaspoonful, and hog's lard, 
twice as much. Mix. Spread sufficient on a woolen cloth and 
apply over the throat and chest. Nausea usually follows and 
the patient vomits freely, relief at once manifesting. 

When relief is obtained give a dose of some of the cascara 
mixtures directed in this book which contain podophyllin, re- 
peating it every four hours till the bowels have acted freely 
three or four times. Or the podophyllin powder (see remedies 
in this book) may be given every six hours till above effect is 
obtained. 

A JAUNDICE CURE. 

A strong tea made from the leaves, bark of the tree, or 
bark of the root of the peach tree, half an ounce taken three 
times a day, is said to cure jaundice. 

Some cases of jaundice are slow to disperse, and this might 
be given a trial. It is certainly cheap enough, easily obtained, 
and not much trouble to prepare. 

GOOD FOR BOWEL TROUBLES. 

Take spirit* of camphor, three drachms; turpentine, three 
drachms; tincture of capsicum, fifteen drops; tincture of ginger, 
one drachm; essence of cinnamon, two drachms; essence of 
peppermint, four drachms; olive oil and simple syrup, of each 
three ounces. Mix. Dose for a child one or two years old, a 



SHORT STOPS. 779 

teaspoonful three to four times a day in severe cases. Usually 
a dose twice a day is sufficient. 

FOR REMOVING WARTS AND CORNS. 
Take the bark of the common willow and burn it to ashes. 
Mix two heaped tablespoonfuls of these ashes with half a pint 
of pure apple cider vinegar. The application of this prepara- 
tion to warts, corns and other excrescenses, is said to remove 
them. 

Shoemaker's wax makes a healing application to some 
cases of sores, cuts and boils. 

ANTIDOTE FOR LICE. 
The following was much used in families for destroying lice 
on the head : Take fish berries, half an ounce ; whisky, a pint. 
Place the berries in a bottle and pour the whisky on them. 
Cork the bottle well and let it stand for three or four days, 
when it is ready for use. Apply it to the hair. One applica- 
tion was usually considered sufficient. This is poison. 



PART TWELFTH. 



DON'T. 



Don't forget that rendering a patient unconscious, or ob- 
livious to surroundings is not sleep, it is helpless unconscious- 
ness, but not sleep. Neither is it rest, nor recuperation, but 
under this condition the system endures great loss. Sleepless- 
ness is due to irritation somewhere in the economy of the body, 
and a condition of unconsciousness does not remove this injur- 
ious factor. Remove the cause of the irritation and natural, 
restful sleep will follow. Rendering a patient unconscious with 
opiates is not sleep, it is narcoticism. 

Sleep has for its object the recuperation or repair of the 
vital processes or energies of life, and means that deaden or 
stupify sensibilities interfere with these processes, and the 
worn out system has a harder fight for life. To soak the suf- 
ferer with opium or morphine or any potion that deadens 
sensibility, always endangers life. 

The attendant who resorts to this method of treatment, is 
either not skilled in the proper treatment of disease, or has 
not the best interests of the patient honestly at heart. 

A sponge-bath with hot water, when sleepless conditions 
present, has a quieting influence, favoring recuperation and rest, 
and properly administered is in no way harmful. In cases of 



don't. 781 

extreme nervousness, an injection of hot water per rectum, 
gives no bad after effect, but quiets to restful sleep. A hypo- 
dermic injection of hot water produces the same effect. 

Hot tea, or hot water, supped as hot as can be without 
burning, allays nausea and checks vomiting, and is followed 
by restfulness, and frequently by restful sleep. It is a bracing, 
quieting and restorative tonic, and taken hot and freely after 
active cathartic medicines have acted freely, it greatly aids the 
system in recovering from the languidness that usually follows 
the immediate action of these remedies. 

Neither the tea nor w^ater interferes with other remedies, 
and may be drunk freely by any age of patients, at any time 
day or night, in all conditions of sickness, in fevers, all disturb- 
ances of the alimentary canal, or in no matter what the ail- 
ment. 

The liver is the superintendent scavenger of the human 
body as well as the superintendent of repairs; the duties of 
such offices are great, and it is necessary sometimes to give this 
superintendent a prompting reminder, or a helpful reminder, or 
rouser to activity. 

EVERY PART OF THE BODY NECESSARY TO ASSURE 
HARMONY OF THE WHOLE BODY. 

Don't forget that the human structure is made up of parts, 
each and every part fitted for a special purpose and function, 
each in harmony with the other — all brought together each 
part to its place, thus forming the complex structure of the 
body so perfectly fitted by the Great Architect for every com- 
fort and continuance that nothing can be added by science or 
by man ; but the perversions, misuses, and abuses the grand 
structure of the human body is put to, vegetate sufferings, 
premature dissolutions, and immorality. 



782 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

MEDICINES CANNOT FILL ALL NEEDS. 

Don't forget that medicine cannot be jour all-round ser- 
vant in the care of your health and cure of disease; it cannot 
administer a vigorous hot water bath to your body — which in 
many cases is the only thing needed, together with a quiet 
rest, a kind word, a tender recognition of appreciation, whole- 
some food, comfortable clothing, a little recreation — not wholly 
out with strangers, but with all of the family to enjoy the 
recreation, the seeing something novel, the hearing something 
new that breaks the monotony, relieves the nerve-strain — the 
nerve-pressure, and which recreation redounds with a happy 
spring of refreshing to all. 

TAKING TOO MUCH MEDICINE. 

Don't forget to remember that you can take too much 
medicine; also, that you can eat to much foods, both of which 
will do harm, but just enough of either will serve its goodly 
purpose. Never take larger doses of medicine than you are in- 
structed to take, and quit taking within a degree of intelli- 
gence when you feel and see an evident establishment of re- 
covery. 

DIRTY DIRT. 

Don't forget that there is dirty dirt and clean dirt, and 
that the various obnoxiousnesses and detritus of the living 
body and the waste or excess of food is the dirty dirt. The 
clean dirt is God's soil, the earth, and is a neutralizer— a dis- 
infectant — an antiseptic for much of the dirty dirt, and also 
for the growing vegetation and the air. But it is quite desir- 
able to enjoy our existence as far from the dirty dirt as can 
consistently be done, however. 



don't. 783 

GETTING SICK. 
Don't keep the subject of health worn to such ragged rag- 
gedness by keeping it in such frazzling wear on every occasion. 
By occasionally giving it a rest everybody will feel better and 
there won't be nearly so much sickness. 

ENTERTAINING THE DOCTORS. 

Don't entertain everybody by relating your aches, pains 
and miseries. Everybody is tired of hearing of aches and pains, 
but the doctors, who really are too, but they endure it when 
it brings the exchange with which to procure bread. Take 
this Medical Adviser and you can study out many of your own 
physical ills, and can do something intelligently in the care of 
your own body, and you will have less ills of any kind to 
relate. 

Don't go to a physician to be told that you are only tired 
and need rest, that you need a thorough bathing and need to 
use soap freely ; that the sewers of your body must be cleaned 
out, that you really must take some active exercise, that your 
stomach needs rest, that you must take more sleep, that you 
eat too much of what you ought not to and too little of what 
you should; that you are not comfortably clothed, that you 
experience too much mental worry and aggravation, that you 
have too little recreation, too little sunshine at home, that you 
center your means and energies too much away from home, 
thereby impoverishing it and leaving it desolate and neglected, 
thus making it a vegetator of discontent and imaginary ills 
which will end in real ones. 

SHEDDING TEARS. 

Don't spend life's energies in shedding tears, while they 
serve to move the sickly sentimentalist, actual life is too brief 
to spare much time for them, and they are of too little value 



784 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to be of much worth in its economy. If the sickly sentimental 
must have a something to move them, mildly forcibly pass a 
handkerchief under their noses containing a pellet of nitrite of 
amyl and they may then shed tears freely and at little loss of 
energies to you, which energies you can invest to better pur- 
pose. 

HAPPINESS IS TO BE FOUND-WHERE ? 

Don't think that there is more happiness to be had some- 
where else in the world than in your own home. Your own 
home will be the happiest place in all the world, if you will 
help to make it so. 

Don't think that you can shirk all the obligations and du- 
ties in the home, make the other members of it menial drudges, 
while all the good things are showered to yourself, together 
with the free-easy-time, without there being a volcanic eruption 
in that home ere long. 

WHERE TO INVEST MONEY. 

Don't forget that to invest money in the home and com- 
fortable and beautiful surroundings, and the polishing of the 
home jewels (the members of the home), is the best bank in 
-which to deposit money and the surest to pay returns. 

Don't forget to have a purpose in life and to hew to the 
line. Any and all who drift along as aimless as a handful of 
trash which chances to fall upon the flowing brook, will make 
a like success of the journey of life. While the trash borne along 
upon the stream may gather strength from accumulating like 
companionship, even to the extent of becoming a great barrier 
to things of better purpose, yet it possesses no utility or prop- 
erty of lastful good— it only occupies the space that might be 
filled by something of utility; it obstructs the way of better 



don't. 785 

purposes, or holds out a pretension of utility that must give 
way on its first testing. 

WHY OUT OF A JOB? 

Don't forget to ferret out the cause of so many being out 
of a job ; unfold the great pamoramic stage of action of life 
and view the vast array of vacancies crying out for both 
brawn and brain, for competency, for solid thinkers, for will- 
ing-workers, actors of tact and knack, of honesty, trust worthy- 
ness and uprightness — individuals who do not consume time 
and energy kicking on existing conditions and waiting for some 
other body's brain, brawn and energy to be the medium of sup- 
plying a job at a salary. 

IDLENESS NOT BENEFICIAL. 

Don't forget that a very great evil attending the absence 
of some imperative employment or object of interest to exer- 
cise the mind and brain, is the tendency it generates to waste 
the mental energies on every trifling occurrence which presents, 
and to seek relief in the momentary excitement of any sen- 
sation, however unworthy. The best remedy for these evils is 
to create intelligent and honest occupations to interest the 
mind and give the wholesome exercise to the brain which its 
constitution requires. 

Both body and mind are gifts, and for the proper use of 
them the Great Creator will hold every one responsible, and 
will call for an accounting. 

Exercise does for the body what intellectual training does 
for the mind — educates and strengthens it. Plato called a man 
lame because he exercised his mind -while the body was al- 
lowed to suffer. Proper physical exercise increases the physi- 
cal powers, and leaves more strength to resist disease. A 
37- 



786 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

sound body lies at the foundation of all that goes to make 
life a success. To obtain and retain the sound body is neces- 
sary. 

Don't forget that there are some things that are dear at 
any price, and that this principle is not confined to things, 
but extends to services, and that there is much service that 
even as a gift would be too dear to accept. 

LITERATURE CONTAGIOUS DANGER. 

Dorit forget that unwholesome literature is a two-fold 
disease vegetator and developer of the most contagious and 
destructive nature, combining in the destruction of both body 
and morals, from the unwholesome cadaver of which emits 
crime in all its forms, fashionable, popular, and otherwise; ill- 
chosen companies may find their way into the home circle in 
the form of literature, which has power to be, at least equally 
as destructive to purity, as living companions of evil and crim- 
inal characters. Quarantine against the microbe of unhealthy 
literature and there will be less need of quarantine against 
the microbe of physical disease, there will be fewer of the latter 
kind. 

IDLE READING. 

Don't forget to not indulge in idle reading; idle reading 
begets idle thinking the effect of which is degenerating — it in- 
capacitates for thought, for a steady intellectual mastery of 
anything — it is the electric force whirling you on the intel- 
lectual down grade, ending in a collapse of reasoning powers. 

THE MOST IGNORANT. 

Don't forget that they are most ignorant who are too 
ignorant to know how ignorant they are. This class is im- 
pulsive, and are the most unpleasant factors we have to meet. 



don't. 787 

TO BEGIN IN CHILDHOOD. 

Don't forget from your earliest childhood to stand erect, 
walk erect, sit erect, never stoop, train the weight of the 
shoulders to hang behind you. 

Don't forget that being well fed is simply having plenty of 
food, not gluttony. 

SAVE FOR THE SENILE COMFORTS. 

Don't forget that you can not always be young, carry the 
responsibilities of and cope with the caprices of commercial 
business; besides, the life of a business goes out of it, or per- 
haps there is no more demand for the product, or your busi- 
ness life has expired. Lay aside the ten per cent for the assur- 
ance of senile comforts and happiness. 

IN IMPORTANT MATTERS WHO TO CONSULT. 

Don't worry for days and weeks trying to reason out im- 
portant questions with only getting deeper and deeper tangled 
in the mazes of their mysticisms. Your mother's, your wife's, or 
your sister's intuitive judgment will unravel and decide it for 
you on the instant. 

Don't forget that cleanliness is next to Godliness only when 
the cleanliness of morals and cleanliness of body, both internal 
and external, are embodied. Hence, when making clean the 
outside of the body be careful to look to the matter of cleans- 
ing the inside; clean out the sewers, of which there are many 
miles. 

REMEDY IN FEVERS. 

Don't forget to administer hot water spongings to the 
body in all cases of fevers, and especially in all cases of erup- 
tive fevers of whatever type. The good effects are simply 
marvelous and almost instantaneous ; it disperses delirium 



788 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

when present ; it ameliorates the severity of the fever, removes 
nervousness and restlessness, disperses itchings and irritations. 
In conditions of small pox, in addition to its dispersing delirium 
and its cleansing effect to the pox, it soothes, quiets, disperses 
the offensive odors, lessens the number of pox, hastens recov- 
ery from all degrees of severity. 

EYE TROUBLES. 

Don't forget before telling your eye troubles to some one 
else, when your eyes feel uncomfortable, when you cannot see 
clearly, or perhaps a little ache or pain from a slight over fa- 
tigue, a little inflammation or a pimple or so, to first cleanse 
out your system thoroughly, send out the rubbish freely, then 
take a general rest up with plenty of sleep. After this is well 
done, the "refracting optician" will have his rest unbroken and 
you will have your eye sight preserved. You can better afford 
to give your feet to the surgeon than your eyes to the refract- 
ing optician. Being destitute of either physical or mental vis- 
ion, there is no greater misfortune. 

INCONGRUOUS NAMES OF DISEASES. 

Don't permit yourself to be hypnotized by the incongruous 
nomenclature given to disease. A few of these may be memor- 
ized and constitute the knowledge in stock. These names are 
more hideous than harmful, though poor capital. 

GREAT EATING.-DEFICIENT ALYINE ACTION. 

Don't forget that a very great amount of surplus is taken 
into the stomach for the sole purpose of the pleasure of swal- 
lowing it, and as the system has no use for it, it serves as an 
injurious annoy er to the system if not gotten rid of. 



don't. 789 

LEAD PREPARATIONS ABOUT THE EYES. 
Don't use lead preparations about the eyes ; solid particles 
of oxide or carbonate of lead become deposited and make per- 
manent opacities. 

DANGER IN MORPHINE, CHLORAL, COCAINE. 
Don't permit hypodermic injections of morphine, chloral and 
other like preparations, into your body. These are poison, do 
you no good, but they do do harm. I have seen some very 
ugly eruptions, suppurating sores, that were the result of these 
injections. Hot water injections are not poisonous, hence do 
no harm ; they produce the sedative effect desired, remove in- 
flammation and suppuration, but do no injury. 

DANGER OF CARBOLATED APPLICATIONS. 

Don't forget that the indiscriminate use of carbolated ap- 
plications is dangerous. Carbolic acid is poison. It produces 
carbolic acid gangrene, and it is not at all doubtful but that 
the gangrene in many surgical operations is due to carbolated 
applications largely. 



PART THIRTEENTH. 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
Some of these articles may not be of any value to a few 
persons who may chance to read them. Such can pass them 
by; but as everybody coming on the active stage of life must 
learn everything with which they become acquainted, was 
born without these knowledges, it may come quite convenient 
to such people. Were it not for these knowledges that are 
saved up from time to time every ship must start out upon the 
sea of life rudderless. 

Do not take down the stoves, or remove the means of pro- 
viding fires from the rooms that are in daily use. To those 
whose knowledge is of narrower scope, this may seem quite 
unneccessary to observe; but when the changes in the atmos- 
phere to cool and dampness combined appear, a fire burning 
even but a short time will remove the suggestion of musty 
odors that will cling about the rooms on these occasions, much 
to the improvement of the condition of the atmosphere, as will 
be noted when the rooms are so treated, and those who must 
breathe this atmosphere will quickly note the improved condi- 
tion. Rooms that have been occupied by large numbers of 
guests, as following an entertainment, there should be fire in 
the room the next morning for a short time ; this destroys the 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 791 

effluvia left clinging to draperies and furnishings from the mul- 
tiplicity of breathings of the guests, and for which safeguard 
there is no disinfectant known that at all approximates this. 
Burning sulphur in rooms is an additional safeguard, and thor- 
oughly admitting currents of air to pass through the rooms is 
also important. 

TO FIND THE QUANTITY OF PAPER FOR A ROOM. 

Measure the sides and add the number of feet; multiply 
this sum by the height in feet. To allow for the windows, 
measure the height of a window and add the height of all the 
windows, and multiply this sum by the width of a window ; 
do likewise for the doors. Subtract the number of feet of the 
doors and windows from the sum of the walls, and the re- 
mainder is the space to be prepared. Divide this remainder by 
seventy-two, the number of square feet in a double roll of 
paper, and this result will be the number of double rolls of 
paper required for the room. 

TO REMOVE MOTHER'S MARKS. 

"Mix one part of tartrate of antimony with four parts of 
emplastrum saponatum, mixing it into a paste. Apply the mix- 
ture to the affected part, one-fourth of an inch thick, and cover 
with court plaster. This is said to remove mother's marks. 
On the fourth or fifth day suppuration sets in, and in a few 
days later scarcely a trace of the mark can be seen. The Alle- 
gemeine Med. Central Zeitung." 

COLOGNE FOR DESTROYING LICE ON THE HEAD 

AND BODY. 

A cologne for applying on the head and body for destroy- 
ing lice, is made as follows: Take oil of rosemary, and oil of 
lemon, of each, two drachms; oil of lavender, and oil of ber- 



792 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

gamot, of each, one drachm; oil of roses, oil of cloves, of each, 
twenty drops; alcohol, a pint. Mix, and it is ready for use. 
Apply to parts affected with lice. 

PURE APPLE CIDER A GOOD MEDICINE. 

Pure apple cider has long been used and recommended to 
cure bowel complaints and diarrhea that manifest in summer 
and autumn ; from three to four ounces for an adult, and from 
two to three tablespoonfuls each day, for a child a year old. 
It disseminates a feeling of warmth and comfort, checks pain, 
tenesmus, and tormina, or colicky pains at once, and relieves 
chills and cramps when present. It is a helpful drink to the 
typhoid fever patient; it has been known to cure chills. It 
may be given alone, or with bread; it disposes to make some 
patients a little dizzy headed, and by taking it with bread, 
this is overcome. 

FOODS. 

Many people, especially country people, think they obtain 
articles of superior merit in the prepared foods offered for sale, 
but there is no article found among them that can compare in 
either value or flavor to those that can be prepared in the 
home kitchen. 

DIARRHEA IN MEASLES. 

If diarrhea appears in measles it is probably due to the 
measles or eruption receding inward. Sprinkle over a larded 
cloth a pinch of lobelia, in powder, and a pinch of capsicum 
and place the cloth over the abdomen. The measles usually 
returns to the surface and the diarrhea stops. Saffron tea and 
sulphur usually brings out the measles in ordinary cases. If 
there is considerable frontal headache, add five drops of tincture 
of bryonia to four ounces of water, and give a teaspoonful of 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 793 

the mixture every two hours. This for a child of from ten 
months to three vears old. 

A CURE FOR SOME SKIN ITCHINGS. 
Subjecting the parts affected to the fumes of the juniper 
leaves, daily for six to ten days, is said to cure cutaneous itch- 
ings due to syphilitic taint. 

RHEUMATISM AND PAINFUL JOINTS. 
A mustard plaster applied to the affected part and left to 
remain short of blistering, is a rapid disperser of not only the 
pain but the swellings also, in some severe rheumatic swellings. 
Mustard oil has also been used for the same purpose. 

ANOTHER REMEDY. 
Arnica oil, a little applied over the affected parts at night, 
is a disperser of pain and soreness in rheumatic sufferings. 
Examine the feet for corns and misfit shoes, get comfortable 
shoes and displace the corns if they be present, by removing 
the pressure from them. Bathe the feet in hot water and the 
corns in castor oil. 

GOOD OINTMENT. 

Take bees-wax, lard and resin, of each, four ounces, and 
melt all together. It is ready for use. This is a valuable oint- 
ment for application to sores, chafings, blisters and abrasions. 

FOR WHITENING AND SOFTENING THE HANDS. 

Take cascarilla powder and muriate of ammonia, of each 
two grains ; and emulsion of almonds, eight ounces. Mix. This 
applied to the hands, softens and whitens them. 

BREATH DISINFECTANT. 
Bromo-chloralum is said to be a most excellent disinfectant 
of the breath, regardless of the condition of the general health. 



794 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Its method of use is as follows : Take bromo-chloralum, one 
part, and water, eight parts. Mix. Gargle a little of it, and 
a very few drops may be swallowed. 

A FACE POWDER. 
Take the very finest corn starch, a pound ; pour over it 
sufficient alcohol to cover it, stir it thoroughly and let it settle. 
When it is well settled, drain off the excess of alcohol and per- 
mit the starch to dry perfectly. It may then be thoroughly 
well pulverized and any desired perfume added. It is now 
ready for use, and if no uncomely perfume is added it is per- 
fectly harmless. 

PERFUME SATCHETS. 
In dresser drawers, handkerchief containers, trunks, ward- 
robes, and boxes containing writing paper, place perfume 
satchets. These accessories may be made at home and serve a 
purpose for disposing of remnants of satin or pretty silks that 
may have accumulated, converting them into articles of utility 
and decoration. Take two pieces of cotton, cut any size you 
like, say three inches by five, sprinkle well with any preferred 
perfume, place the pieces together, and having made the satchet 
case, insert the cotton and close neatly, by adding a bow of 
ribbon if it suits the fancy. If neatly preserved these may be 
refilled many times with perfume. 

TO REMOVE SOILS AND STAINS FROM WHITE PAINT. 
Dip a moist woolen fabric in very fine whiting and rub 
mildly over the stains. It will remove them quite neatly. Oil 
painted surfaces may be cleansed by dipping a moist woolen 
fabric in finely powdered chalk and rubbing the parts carefully. 

AN IMPROVER FOR OLD FLOORS. 

An improver for old floors may be made of simply boiled 
linseed oil and ochre to give it a suggestion of color, for the 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 795 

first coating, and permitting it to dry; then apply a sufficient 
number of coats of the oil to which has been added sufficient 
ochre to make it coat smoothly, to make the surface of the 
floor even and smooth. After this is thoroughly dry, apply a 
coat of copal varnish. This may be applied to porches, walks, 
or to bed room floors. If the planks in the floors have shrunk 
it is best to remove the accumulations from the cracks or 
seams, and fill them evenly with putty. 

A preparation which makes a darker color, is boiled linseed 
oil, two gallons; four tablespoonfuls of burnt umber. Heat 
the oil and stir in the umber. Apply it with a brush, keeping 
the oil hot while applying it. 

ANOTHER FLOOR IMPROVER. 

A stain and polish may be made by mixing one and a half 
quarts of spirits of turpentine, a quart of linseed oil, alcohol a 
pint, and gum shellac and resin, of each, two ounces. Pour 
the alcohol on the shellac and resin and let it remain for 
twenty-four to thirty-six hours, then add the other articles, 
mix well and apply. 

Ready mixed paints are found for sale, and for those who 
do not care to mix them themselves, a little labor is saved. 

Floors that must be used bare faced, are much more easily 
kept clean and looking well by an occasional touching with 
paint, than can possibly be done by any other means. 

PREVENTION FROM MOTHS. 

The surest prevention from moths of which the writer 
knows, is keeping musk powder about or among articles likely 
to be infected with them. The musk can be purchased of any 
druggist. The powder may be sprinkled among furs, woolen 
carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture, and woolen shawls, or 



796 



THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 



the powder may be confined in satchets and placed among 
these articles. 

AN OLD DOMESTIC FURNITURE IMPROVER. 

Take apple cider vinegar, boiled linseed oil and turpentine, 
of each, equal parts. Mix. This makes a good freshening 
polish for furniture. It may be a applied with a woolen cloth. 

FOR POLISHING FURNITURE. 

For polishing furniture, use rotten-stone and sweet-oil. 
Then wipe off the oil and polish with a chamois skin. 

TO BLEACH FEATHERS OR HUMAN HAIR 

Immerse or saturate the articles wished to bleach in per- 
oxide of hydrogen to which a few drops of aqua ammonia has 
been added. Stir and turn the articles occasionally. This will 
also bleach pearl and ivory. Use glass, wooden, or stone ves- 
sels for containing the bleaching solution. 

FOR REMOVING GREASE AND SOILINGS FROM 
WOOLENS AND SILK. 
There is nothing that cleanses or removes grease from 
wool goods quite so nicely, and with so little injury to the 
fabric as alcohol. Next to this is water as hot as can be 
handled and soap. The cleaning in all cases must be done very 
rapidly, and also the drying must be effected quickly. In con- 
ditions where the article is lined the lining must be held away 
from the part being cleansed, as no matter how nicely the 
fabric might be cleansed of itself, there are but very few lin- 
ings that do not fade, and these fadings when permitted to 
enter the outside fabric, circle and becloud it, making a fail- 
ure of cleaning the fabric. When cleansing with the hot water 
and soap, there is need of two vessels containing hot water; 
the one used when using the soap, and the other used to rinse 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 797 

the soap from the fabric being cleansed. Also, there must be 
two cloths, both of which must be white lest stainings from 
this source may appear in the fabrics desiring to be cleansed. 
If the work is done carefully and quickly, very unsightly greasy 
and soiled garments may be made to be quite spotless by 
either the use of the hot water, or the alcohol. 

TO CLEAN A WHITE FELT HAT. 
To clean a white felt hat, cover it thickly -with powdered 
magnesia and let it remain over night. It is a bad case that 
the soilings will not remove with the brushing off of the mag- 
nesia. Any light colored felt hat or any light colored cloth may 
be cleansed in the same way. Chalk, even the school crayons 
so applied, has removed many unsightly spots from such fab- 
rics as above. 

TO REMOVE RESIN AND PITCH. 
When pitch or resin is on articles of apparel and it is de- 
sired to remove it, it may be accomplished by the application 
of alcohol. 

FOR REMOVING BLOOD STAINS FROM SILK. 

Chloroform applied by means of a white cloth to silk, satin, 
velvet or plush removes blood stains, and if care is exercised 
the fabric is uninjured. Chloroform also cleanses woolens from 
grease and other spots, without injury to the fabric or color, 
but from its rapidity of evaporation, and the danger of inhal- 
ing too much of it and thus obtaining serious results, it is 
safest to use the alcohol, water and soap for general cleaning 
purposes. 

TO REMOVE FRUIT STAINS. 

The removing of fruit stains proves very perplexing some- 
times, vexatiously obstinate to remove and sometimes refuse 



798 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

to disappear. Raspberry, blackberry and cherry stains will usu- 
ally disappear if soaked in sweet milk for a few hours before 
the fabric is permitted to be wet with anything else. Also, boil- 
ing water poured over the stains before it has been permitted 
to be wet with anything else. These are the surest and the least 
harmful of anything of which the writer is familiar. There are 
soaps that are claimed to remove fruit stains ; a soap called 
Trinola, usually disperses fruit stains, both from the hands and 
from fabrics. 

TO REMOVE GREASE WITHOUT INJURY TO COLOR. 

It is said that oxgall and the yelk of the egg will remove 
grease from fabrics without destroying its color. 

TO REMOVE BLACK MACHINE GREASE. 

To remove black machine grease, apply a little lard over 
the part so soiled, of wash fabrics, let it remain for half an 
hour or so long, then subject it to the washing process and 
very ugly spots will disappear that otherwise refuse to go. 
This must be applied before experimenting with some other 
disperser. 

Gasoline cleanses very nicely, very many articles both cot- 
ton and wool, from grease spots and many soilings. 

TO REMOVE PAINT FROM COTTON OR WOOL FABRICS. 

Cover the paint stains on cotton or wool goods with olive 
oil, lard or butter; let it remain a few hours, then apply chlo- 
roform with a clean white cloth and it will remove. 

TO REMOVE IRON RUST. 

To remove iron rust from wash fabrics take oxalic acid, 
half a teaspoonful, and dissolve it in half a teacupful of soft 
water and apply it to the affected part, is said to remove it. 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 799 

TO REMOVE MILDEW FROM SILK FABRICS. 

To remove mildew from silk fabrics expose the affected 
parts well to the rays of the hot sun. A case is very bad that 
this will not remove. The writer has succeeded in removing 
the mildew from silk fabrics that looked quite discouraging, 
restoring them to about as good as they ever were by this 
method. 

TO REMOVE MILDEW FROM WASH FABRICS. 

To remove mildew from wash fabrics immerse the affected 
parts in a solution of chloride of lime. The solution is made 
as follows : Take one and a fourth pounds of chloride of lime 
and add it to one gallon of water, immerse the fabrics and let 
them remain for about two hours ; wring them from the water 
and expose them well to the rays of the sun. 

The old-fashioned leach-lye soap, thickened with salt and 
applied to the article from which it is desired to remove the 
mildew, and lay it out during the night, exposing the parts 
well, is said to disperse mildew. 

TO CLEAN SPOTS FROM CARPETS. 

Grease spots and many other soilings may be removed from 
carpets with hot water and soap. First thoroughly remove 
the dust from the fibre of the carpet; be sure that this is well 
done; then have plenty of hot water, that there may be no 
delay. The writer has had best success with Kirk's soap for 
this purpose of cleansing. Use a white cloth or rag and apply 
the soap on the cloth, leaving sufficient water in the cloth for 
cleansing, but no more, not sloppy. With this cloth rub the 
spot quickly and thoroughly. By observation you will discern 
when it is properly cleansed. Then with a clean cloth apply 
the clear hot water, rinsing it thoroughly. Now with a dry 
cloth or rag, press upon the wet spot and by this means re- 



800 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

move all the moisture possible to hasten the drying, which 
must be done quickly, but not by applying a hot iron. This 
process applies to all-wool carpets. If the proper care and 
speed have been exercised in executing this cleansing, a perfectly 
satisfactory result will be obtained. 

TO REMOVE SPOTS FROM LEATHER. 

It is claimed that pipe clay mixed with water when used, 
will remove spots from leather and will not affect the most 
delicate color. 

TO CLEAN A MEERSCHAUM PIPE. 

That meerschaum pipe does need cleansing sometimes. 
Sand paper and alcohol applied, will make it about as good 
as new, unless it is ragged. 

TO FRESHEN EIDERDOWN COMFORTS. 

Shake them out very evenly and hang them in a 
mild sun, not too severely warm, as a suggestion of oil may 
be brought out thereby. 

TO REMOVE RUST FROM STOVE PIPES. 
To remove rust from stove pipes, apply linseed oil, let re- 
main half an hour or so long, then rub the pipe with a wool 
cloth. 

TO PREVENT SILVERWARE FROM TURNING BLACK. 

One great help to keep silverware from turning black, is to 
keep it from a room in which coal is burned. Then thoroughly 
dry it before putting it away, and wrap it closely with fine 
tissue paper, or unbleached cotton flannel. Place a piece of 
camphor gum in the container in which you have placed the 
articles, and if they are not exposed to dampness they will 
not tarnish. 



MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 801 

TO PREVENT LAMP CHIMNEYS FROM BEING SMOKED. 
Soak the lamp wick in strong apple cider vinegar, let it dry 
before using, and it is said that the chimney will not smoke. 

TO IMPROVE THE LIGHT. 
A small lump of camphor gum added to the coal oil in the 
lamp, pleasantly modifies the odor, and improves the brilliancy 
of the light. 

TO CLEAN THE LAMP BURNERS. 
Add a teaspoonful of washing soda to a quart of soft 
water, boil the lamp burners in it ten or fifteen minutes, and 
then dry them. This frees them from accumulations and thus 
prolongs their usefulness. 

CLEANSING LAMP TRIMMINGS. 
Rubbing brass trimmings of lamps w T ith salt moistened 
with vinegar, is recommended to prevent them from tarnish- 
ing. Whiting or wood ashes applied quite briskly with a wool 
fabric, keeps them looking quite well. 

WATERPROOF SHOE BLACKING. 

A shoe blacking that is said to be waterproof is made as 
follows: Dissolve an ounce of borax in a pint of water, and 
add shellac to make it the consistence of paste; dissolve an 
ounce of camphor gum in half a pint of alcohol and mix with 
the paste and then add lamp black sufficient to make it black. 

ANOTHER PREVENTION FROM MOTHS. 

Naphtha sprayed among the articles desired to preserve is 
said to prevent the appearance of moths and to disperse them 
when present. 

Also the moth balls found for sale by druggists, placed 
among woolen fabrics prevents the appearance of moths. 

38— 



PART FOURTEENTH. 



MUCH OF GOOD VALUE. 



REMEDY FOR SOBERING FROM ALCOHOLIC 
INTOXICATION. 

Half a drachm of carbonate of ammonia in a wine glass of 
water is said to be a prompt emetic and sobering restorative 
in cases of alcoholic intoxication. 

ANIMAL FLESH EATING. 

How much of the manifestations of disease in the body of 
the human family is due to eating animal flesh has never been 
investigated. From superstition born of ignorance, as all 
superstition is, many persons proscribe pork or the meat of 
the hog, and extol beef. Pork meats are the most nutritious, 
beef the least nutritious ; and for healthiness the same can be 
said. But it will bear investigation whether any animal meats 
should be eaten. Every necessary for the nutrition of the body 
is found in other substances. 

ANOTHER REMEDY FOR REMOVAL OF TAPE WORM. 

C. A. Estabrook, in Eclec. Med. Jour., 1871, recommended 
the following for removal of tape worm: Take pul. kouso, 
three drachms; water, four ounces. Mix, and give it all at a 
dose. Wait six hours and then give two ounces of castor oil. 
It is reported that the worm comes in about six hours. 



don't. 803 

FOR OLD SORES. 

Sores on the arms and lower limbs especially, are some- 
times very slow to heal. This in very many cases is due to 
the limbs hanging down, as in the case of an arm, and in case 
of the legs by their almost constant hanging position; this hang- 
ing position too prolonged and as it usually is, and the enfeebled 
condition resulting from the injury, leave the circulation but 
imperfectly performed, and engorgement of the parts ensues 
which in turn adds to the congestion already present, addition- 
ally increasing the hinderance to repair. Wash the sores with 
hot water and castile soap, rinse with equal parts of calendula 
and water, dry, and apply castor oil over the sore, cover with 
fine new unwashed cotton, and confine in place with a band- 
age just sufficiently firm to brace the parts comfortably. Tinct- 
ure of benzoin, a drachm, added to three ounces of the water 
used to rinse the sore, instead of the calendula, if it cannot be 
obtained, also does well. 

SAL YE FOR CAKED BREASTS. 

Take turpentine, half a pint, add one ounce of camphor 
gum and let it dissolve; melt bees- wax half the bulk of the 
turpentine and add to it the other remedies. Mix it well and 
it is ready for use. Apply this very thick all over the breast, 
especially well over the part next to the arm. Cover the breast 
with a binder in such a way as to form a support. This 
dressing need not be removed every day unless some unpleas- 
ant symptom manifests, which rarely does; every second or 
third day is sufficient, usually. When the dressing is renewed, 
bathe the affected part well in very hot water. In cases of 
great severity, the dressings may be changed every day and 
the hot water bath administered, then the dressing of salve 
again applied. If tenderness over the skin is manifest, before 



804 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

applying the salve apply castor oil all over the surface of the 
part. 

This salve forms a curative application to caked breasts, 
boils, indolent tumors, cancerous and carbunculous formations. 

CLAY AS A DRESSING TO VARIOUS HURTS. 

It is said that the stratum of clay "which lies immediately 
beneath the soil, that which is used for making the best red 
brick, has valuable curative properties. It is to be dried in the 
sun, and the coarse part removed by sieving, reserving the fine 
part for use. Moisten it with water when desiring to use it. 
It is applied about an inch thick, and confined in place as a 
plaster. 

It is recommended to be curative in all conditions of boils, 
tumors, swellings, rheumatism, and to abort felons. In the 
last named conditions it must be applied at the immediate on- 
set of the felon, when it first appears that a felon is develop- 
ing, and before pus is formed. This would be true in case of 
boils and tumors; but in swellings and rheumatism where no 
disposition to form pus exhibits, it may be applied at any 
stage of the condition. 

THE RENOVATOR. 

An excellent renovator, and one that is worth many, many 
times more than the cost in money and labor which it requires 
to prepare it, is made as follows, and is an old-time remedy 
much used in our childhood days. It is here given somewhat 
modified, though the changes do not decrease its real value, 
but rather increase its value: Take mandrake root, yellow 
dock root, burdock root, bittersweet, prickly ash berries, and 
red clover tops, of each two ounces; gentian, two drachms. 
Place them all in an earthenware or granite vessel and pour 
over them two quarts of boiling water and let stand for twelve 



MUCH OF GOOD VALUE. 805 

hours, then keep it hot short of boiling for five hours. Now 
strain it and add a pint of gin and bottle it for use. Dose for 
an adult is a tablespoonful once a day. Its action is that of a 
tonic alterative and may be given in cases of almost any gen- 
eral derangements, and to persons of any age, by regulating 
the dose according to the age. It promotes excretion, purines 
the blood, increases the appetite, favors nutrition and healthy 
blood making. 

CURE FOR ENLARGED TONSILS. 

"A Dr. Wenman, East Liverpool, Ohio, reported that fluid 
extract of jaborandi, one ounce, and simple syrup, one ounce, 
mixed, and a teaspoonful of the mixture given three times a 
day, will cure enlarged tonsils from whatever cause, syphilitic 
or otherwise." 

FOR SKIN SORES. 

Take glycerine, three ounces; borax in powder, one drachm. 
Mix. This forms an application that is soothing to some man- 
ifestations of skin annoyances, skin sores, pimples and abra- 
sions. 

SOMETHING MORE ABOUT CARBUNCLE. 

When there begins to manifest an appearance of a great big 
boil, the condition we call carbuncle, take a capsule (see reme- 
dies in this book) every three hours till free biliary alvine de- 
jections are seen; then take the above named Renovator, or 
some of the mixtures named in this book which contain yellow 
dock, a tablespoonful or teaspoonful once a day, just before 
retiring to bed at night. Add twenty drops of fluid extract of 
bryonia to four ounces of water and take a teaspoonful of the 
mixture three times a day. 



806 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Take glycerine, essence of peppermint, turpentine and castor 
oil, of each one ounce. Mix. Apply over the part all it will 
take up twice a day. 

You will be pleasantly surprised at the speedy dispersion of 
pain throughout the body, and also the carbuncle. Try it, it 
is not bad medicine for a pain-disperser. 

A GOOD REMEDY TO HAVE ON HAND. 

Take a heaped teaspoonful of golden seal in powder, place 
it in a granite cup and pour over it a pint of boiling -water; 
let it remain hot but not to boil, for an hour. Remove from 
the fire and strain it. Add to it five ounces of glycerine, mix 
it well and bottle it for use. It keeps well for considerable 
time. It is a valuable application to sores, old sores and many 
irritations ; a tablespoonful of it added to a pint of hot water 
makes a most valuable injection in conditions of leucorrhea; it 
is valuable as an application to gonorrheal sores; and it is a 
valuable application to irritations due to gonorrheal discharge. 
Apply it to these parts after they have been cleansed. 

FOR CURING RHUS POISONING. 

Oil of sassafras and glycerine, equal parts, mixed, and ap- 
plied to the affected parts, is said to give immediate relief in 
conditions of rhus poisoning (the poison oak). 

CURE FOR CHILBLAINS. 

The juice obtained from sliced raw Irish potatoes that have 
been sprinkled with salt after having been sliced, and permit- 
ted to stand for three hours, then applied, is said to cure chil- 
blains. It is certainly cheap enough for even the economical to 
use. 



MUCH OF GOOD VALUE. 807 

OBSERVATIONS. 

It is stated that A. Bronson wrote all his poems after his 
eightieth year; that Van Rank when eighty-six years old was 
writing the history of the world; that Whittier when over 
seventy wrote most of the morning, walked most of the after- 
noon, and often went to a party in the evening. Longfellow 
after seventy-five read diligently and collected materials for 
future work; Oliver Wendell Holmes at over sixty was bright, 
cheery and physically active, and mentally strong and sprightly 
as ever ; that Walt Whitman, carpenter, printer and poet, was 
hard at work at sixty -four; that Humboldt commenced the 
study of Hebrew at eighty, and that Victor Hugo at eighty 
was vigorously at work. 



War is a display of intellectual inferiority, a low grade of 
morality. It is the weapon of a people on the intellectual 
down grade. 



SUDDEN LOSS OF HAIR. 

Rev. J. W. Linley, who at the time of making the state- 
ment lived in Nokomis, Illinois, lost the hair from his head, 
eyelashes and eyebrows, consequent from grief-shock incident 
to the loss of his child, wife and property. The writer, a Mr. 
John Busby, and many others whose names the writer at this 
time cannot call to mind, heard the above named minister re- 
late in a sermon he delivered at the South Fork M. E. church 
in Christian county, Illinois, that the hair from his head, his 
whiskers, eyelashes and eyebrows fell around him at once to 
the floor from the above cause. 



808 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

LONG PRESERVED WREATHS. 

"Wreaths taken from the tomb of an Egyptian king where 
they had been drying three thousand and five hundred years, 
by judicious manipulation in hot water, the dry cells swelled 
into their original shape, the leaves attached to a card board 
and treated as recent specimens were sent to Sir Joseph Hooker 
and exhibited at a late meeting of the Royal Society. The 
botanical character of the plants was fully established ; some 
were familiar, while others could not be classified." — Eclec. Med. 
Jour., 1883. 

OBSERVATION. 

Science will, so far as medicine is concerned, celebrate its 
two thousandth century perfectly chaotic. The only certainty 
we have in medicine is physic and hot water, and the credit of 
this discovery by no means belongs to science — neither the prin- 
ciple nor the agents used. On these two agents, physic and 
hot water, together with rest and foods, depend the success of 
about all cures of all the ailments of the human body. 

One of the most amusing and entertaining freaks of science 
is its mode of naming conditions of disease and parts of the 
human body as "Potts' disease," "Bright 's disease," "Hodg- 
kin's disease," "Addison's disease," and parts of the human 
anatomy as "McBurney's point," "Douglas' cul de sac," etc. 
It is quite entertaining if not enlightening. 

CREMATION OF THE DEAD. 

Cremation of our dead is not prevention of nor cure for 
any of the ailments of the living. It should never be permitted. 
There is not the least possible danger that the world will ar- 
rive at a condition that there is no space permissible to decently 
bury our dead — not even though the present type of humane (?) 



MUCH OF GOOD VALUE. 809 

and christian (?) people should continue to carry on wars ever 
so frequently as they have done in the past. 

OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE AGED. 

There are many annoyances manifesting in advancing and 
advanced life in the aged that are simply due to the general 
failing or the letting loose of life, all the parts becoming more 
and more feeble, becoming less and less able to perform their 
functions. Hence, ameliorating and preserving treatment can 
best conserve to the best interests of the aged ; proper rest, 
proper foods, proper clothing, proper entertainment, and keep- 
ing the excretory habits of the kidneys and bowels properly ac- 
tive, constitute the chief means for preserving the health of the 
aged and continuing their life to the greatest length of time. 
Aged people have much time on their hands which may be ad- 
vantageously employed, at least part of it, in properly cleans- 
ing, bathing and engaging in pleasantries, thus greatly aiding 
in a wholesome preservation of both body and mind. 



PART FIFTEENTH. 



A FEW HINTS ABOUT STOCK, AND THE FARM HOME 

ECONOMY. 



DOMESTIC STOCK. 

All domestic stock should be kept clean, well fed, given 
plenty of clean water to drink, and have a shady nook to re- 
tire to in extreme hot weather , be well housed in cold weather, 
and have plenty of room to exercise in. Especially should 
these provisions be made for milk cows. When cows are filth- 
ily fed, and filthily surrounded, it mars the quality and flavor 
or the milk greatly. For a test of how this affects the milk, 
feed a cow onions or permit her to eat weeds, when you will 
discover the milk will contain the taste and odor of either. 
Clean surroundings and clean foods are essential to pure and 
wholesome milk. Slops should not be fed to milk cows, in 
fact it should not be fed to anything that must be converted 
into foods, to do so is a grave mistake. It is the filthy feed- 
ings and filthy care that hogs get that makes their flesh more 
unfit for food than other meats. There is no stock that is so 
filthily kept as the hog. If properly kept and properly fed, its 
flesh is superior in nutritiveness to any animal meats of which 
the writer knows, and no more unpleasantness is likely to 
arise from eating it than from any other animal meat or 
flesh. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 811 

A GOOD CONDITION POWDER. 

A good condition powder for stock is made as follows : 
Take resin, sage, peppermint, gentian, golden seal, sassafras bark, 
and slippery elm bark, of each, four ounces ; epsom salts, two 
ounces ; mandrake root, one ounce ; buchu leaves, two ounces ; 
and eight ounces of sulphur. Mix well. Have the barks, 
roots and leaves, all coarsely ground before mixing, in which 
condition they may be purchased. A heaped tablespoonful of 
the mixture given in chopped or ground foods, is a dose for a 
cow or a horse. A dose may be given every day for three 
days, then twice a week to once a week, will restore even very 
unpromising cases. This is valuable in very many ill-conditions 
manifesting among stock, horses, cattle, sheep, or hogs, as 
sluggish growth, inactivity, ill-nourishing, loss of flesh, feeble 
appetite, colicky dispositions, rough scurfy skin, and ragged, 
dead appearance of the hair. 

COLIC IN HORSES. 

Sometimes what seems to be severe colic in horses, is much 
more frequently urinary trouble than is supposed. Urinary 
trouble may be known to exist by the frequent passages of 
small quantities of urine with evident pain, or by a prolonged 
time without the passage of any. This last condition may be 
noted by inspection of the surroundings, and by the absence 
of this function during the paroxysm of suffering, and the evi- 
dent breaking up of the attack almost immediately following 
the appearance of this function being performed. The stiff 
movements about the hinder parts, the restless gait, the strad- 
dling movements, the violent and brisk switching of the tail, 
and the frequent looking back at the flanks, pretty generally 
indicate some trouble of the urinary organs, and the remedy 
that will give relief in the human family, will for like 
conditions, give relief to the horse and may be as safely given. 



812 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

A remedy that has given speedy relief is, hyoscyamus, five 
drops in a half pint of water ; the dose may be repeated in 
thirty minutes, if relief is not evident by that time. Also, an- 
other valuable remedy is, half an ounce of sweet spirits of 
nitre, and two ounces of glycerine added to half a pint of olive 
oil or castor oil, and given at one dose. 

HEAVES. 

Long continued feeding of horses with dry, dusty clover, 
dry dusty hay, chaff and dry fodder or dry feeds generally will 
produce asthma, usually called heaves, but it is really asthma. 

To effect a cure turn them out in pasture or a large yard, 
and give a change of feed once a day, at least. If in summer 
turn them on good green pasture. If in winter feed cabbage, 
carrots, turnips, and apples chopped quite finely, which will 
constitute an agreeable change. These articles form an agree- 
able change for any stock that must be fed chiefly dry feeds. 
For hogs the following forms a good and acceptable change : 
Pumpkins, tomatoes, watermelons and cabbage, all of which 
are relished quite well, they frequently leaving dry foods and 
take these articles in preference. 

SCURF OR MANGE. 

This condition usually manifests from a species of all around 
neglect, bad feeding and uncleanly surroundings and badly 
housed. Give the condition powder directed in this division of 
this book, wash the animal clean with water and soap, rub 
dry with a woolen rag and then blanket. Repeat this treat- 
ment about every third day, protect the animal from inclement 
weather and feed well. Brush their surface well every day with 
a. rubber brush, or if a rubber brush cannot be had, use a hair 
brush. Keep their surroundings clean. Wood ashes, salt and 
sulphur, equal parts, mixed, and half a teacupful or a teacupful 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 813 

given every day, frequently answers all the requirements of 
medical treatment needed, but without the precautions of care 
and well feeding no permanent benefit can be effected. 

DISTEMPER. 
For curing distemper in horses or colts, frequently a dose 
of salts given once a week, will be all the medicine necessary 
in addition to proper care. In fact the distemper would not 
have appeared if proper care had been their usual treatment. 
In severe cases give the above named condition powders. Salt, 
sulphur and ashes mixture given in addition to proper care, is 
in many cases all that is necessary. 

WORMS. 
Occasionally stock are annoyed by the presence of worms. 
To disperse them, frequently a pint of spearmint tea, given to 
a large animal, morning and night, will effect the result. And 
in addition to proper care the salt, sulphur and wood ashes 
mixture given, proves all of medicine that is needed in cases of 
the presence of worms. 

LICE. 
Stock properly cared for will not become infested with lice, 
no more than the human family will. Feed well and keep 
clean, is the prevention. To disperse when present, clean both 
stock and surroundings, and apply grease, lard or fried bacon 
drippings, will disperse them. Usually one application is suffi- 
cient. Inspection should be made and the stock so infected 
should be washed. 

SCRATCHES AND GREASE HEEL. 

These conditions are due to the horse being filthily kept 
and abuse of the feet. Keep a clean place for the horse to 
stand in, feed well, wash the feet with castile soap and hot 



814 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

water. If it can be had use the old fashioned wood ashes 
leach-lye soap to cleanse the feet with. Make a salve of the 
following and apply: Take bees-wax (the yellow), and resin, 
of each, two ounces; laudanum, half an ounce; lard, four 
ounces; oil of peppermint, two drachms. Mix the lard, resin 
and wax by heat, remove from the fire and when a little cool 
add the laudanum and oil of peppermint and stir the mixture 
till cold. 

SPRAINS AND BRUISES. 

Sprains and bruises should be well bathed in equal parts 
of water and vinegar, using it hot. Equal parts of mullein 
leaves tea and vinegar is also good for a bath in these hurts. 
A liniment made of the following articles is very helpful in dis- 
persing the soreness and the swellings from these injuries : 
Take essence of peppermint and glycerine, of each, four ounces. 
Mix and apply all the part will take up. The following is also 
a good liniment: Take oil of spike, two ounces; spirits of 
camphor and turpentine, of each, three ounces ; glycerine, four 
ounces; oil of peppermint, half an ounce; tincture of arnica, 
two ounces; and castor oil, two ounces. Mix, and it is ready 
for use. 

EPIZOOTIC. 

For the epizootic keep the horses affected cleanly and 
warmly housed; give clean water to drink, and let one drink 
each day be as warm as the animal can be induced to drink. 
Sprinkle sulphur freely in their hay, burn a little in their room 
each day and give the condition powders named in this book, 
or equal parts of sulphur, salt and wood ashes, mixed, may 
be given. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 815 

SELECTING A HORSE. 

The purposes or uses the animal is intended to serve are 
to be considered in making a selection in the purchase of the 
horse you would buy. The heavily built horses are more suited 
for draft purposes ; those animals of trimmer build and less 
bulk serve best for the buggy; the pony build serves for the 
children's riding purposes quite nicely; and for the adult the 
tall trim built serves best for riding purposes. The shaggy 
coat of hair, the hungry look, the dull and stupid expression, 
and the scabby, scurfy head are bad signs. 

OBSERVATIONS. 

The well cared for horse and the kindly treated horse neighs 
in a kindly and pleasing tone to welcome the coming of his 
master and shows good keeping by his slick and shiny coat, 
but the badly kept, the badly cared for horse, gives the cow- 
ered and fearing neigh, shrinks and cringes from his master's 
coming and shows bad keeping by his wrinkled skin and his 
ragged coat. 

PERIODS OF GESTATION OF THE LOWER ANIMALS. 

The periods of gestation among some of the lower animals 
is recorded as about the following time of duration : The horse 
and ass, about eleven months each ; the cow about nine months ; 
the buffalo and camel, twelve months each; the elephant, ac- 
cording to some observers, two years; but according to the 
observations of Prof. A. J. Howe, M. D., the elephant goes 
twenty to twenty-one months; the sheep and lion, each, five 
months; the reindeer, eight months; the monkey, seven months ; 
the bear, six months ; the sow, four months ; the dog, nine 
weeks; the cat, eight weeks; the rabbit, four weeks; geese set 
thirty days ; swans, forty -two days ; the domestic hen, twenty- 
one days; ducks, pea hens and turkeys each set twenty -eight 



816 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

days; canaries and pigeons, each fourteen days, and parrots, 
forty days. 

FARM AND GARDEN MISCELLANY. 

The following hints may be of value to some one, hence 
they are worthy of a place. While there are many people who 
do not need information in this line, there are many who will 
be thankful to get it, and as none are born possessing the nec- 
essary knowledge for conducting the business economies of life, 
all must learn it if they obtain it. 

HINTS IN THE CARE OF DOMESTIC FOWLS. 

4 'The domestic fowls thrive the best and keep the healthiest 
when permitted a wooded place to run, a place where there 
are many trees, either orchard or forest trees, preferably the 
forest trees. With the privilege of such a place they will require 
less feeding. Wholesome, clean feeding, plenty of clean water, 
clean surroundings and ample room are essential for profitably 
keeping any of the domestic fowls. Without these they are 
unprofitable. Cramped in small space in the yard they must 
occupy they are unfit for eating purposes. With good care the 
domestic fowls are profitable and well repay the necessary 
work, either chickens, turkeys, ducks or geese. The time neces- 
sary to care for eight or ten dozen stock chickens, a couple of 
dozen turkeys and as many ducks and geese leaves much time 
of each day yet unoccupied, and where there are growing chil- 
dren their time may be made profitable by devoting a part of 
it to such work, which they can do very well and with no 
injury to themselves, which in addition to being self-helpful 
keeps them in wholesome employment, free from undesirableness 
in occupation and companionship. 

Plenty of lime, wood and cob ashes and clean sand are 
valuable and really essential utilities in the domestic fowls' 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 817 

yards. Sulphur added to the sand, ashes and lime are advan- 
tageous in preventing the appearance of insects on their bodies. 

The chickens should not have to roost on poles; they 
should have planks at least a foot wide to sleep on, as having 
to sleep on a pole deforms their bodies, deforms their breast 
bones, as will be noted by inspection. Their sleeping place 
should be cleansed, thoroughly ventilated, and whitewashed 
every three months, and sulphur burned in the room ; by this 
means it is kept free from vermin. In fact, every place about 
the fowl yards should be whitewashed with lime three to four 
times a year. 

While the foods usually fed to growing chickens greatly aid 
them, yet they will thrive better if their foraging district lies 
under many trees, wild forest trees being the best, especially is 
this true in regard to chickens and turkeys. A liberal green 
grassy district provides the ideal forage field for ducks and 
geese, and with these they will do well and be thrifty with 
but comparatively small quantity of additional foods. 

All domestic fowls require a change of foods occasionally, 
chickens especially. A variety of grains is better than a few 
sorts, and during the winter season some green foods should 
be provided, as cabbage leaves, cooked potatoes, etc. 

A comfortably warm and dry place should be provided for 
the domestic fowls for the winter living. Especially must these 
provisions be made if they are expected to do well, thrive well 
and lay eggs. 

TO CURE CHOLERA AND ROUP. 

When fowls manifest cholera, roup or catarrhal sniffles, 
cooked foods fed to them as warm as they will eat it, serves 
best for feeding. No matter what foods are fed the cooked 

39— 



818 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

foods serve the best in the above cases. In the immediate first 
appearance of these sicknesses, in addition to feeding cooked 
food, May apple root tea may be added to their foods three 
times a week. This disperses the above conditions with no 
other medicines. The May apple root is difficult to obtain in 
some places, but the podophyllin answers the same purpose, 
and may be obtained anywhere. To give the podophyllin, 
place one-fourth of a grain of the podophyllin in a cup and 
pour over it one pint of boiling water, let it stand for an hour 
where it will keep hot, then remove from the fire and it is 
ready for use. To a gallon of corn meal dough that is intended 
to be baked, add four tablespoonfuls of this tea. This quantity 
makes sufficient for five dozen chickens for one feed. Also a 
tea made from the condition powders named in this book, will 
cure these conditions. Take half a teacup ful of the condi- 
tion powders, place them in a cup and pour over them a 
pint of water, let it stand for an hour, remove from the fire 
and it is ready for use. To a gallon of corn meal dough in- 
tended to be cooked, add five tablespoonfuls of this tea. This 
is sufficient for a feed for five dozen chickens. 

Onions added to the feed of the domestic fowls are a valu- 
able addition to their foods, much improving their health, but 
they must not be permitted in their foods within sixty days 
before they are dressed for cooking, as the onions so unpleas- 
antly taints the flesh that it is unfit for food. 

The food for very young fowls serves best when cooked, 
especially for the first three or four weeks of their early life. 
And when they must confine to but one food, the corn meal 
cooked into bread serves best. 

Coal and charcoal may be kept in one trough of their 
drinking water; this should be refreshed once or twice a week, 
adding fresh charcoal and coal, and supplying additional fresh 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 819 

water sufficiently frequent to insure cleanliness. Sulphur should 
be placed in their drinking water on Sundays. To insure them 
drinking these medicated waters, keep away the pure water 
until they have to take a drink, then give them the pure 
water. 

TO CURE THE GAPES. 
Give a drop of spirits of camphor in a little water to the 
little chicks affected with gapes. This in addition to feeding 
them well and protecting them from chill and cold, will usually 
cure them. 

TO CURE THE SCABBY LEGS. 

Make a salve of equal parts of sulphur and pure hog's 
lard, and apply it over the legs of fowls affected. This 
will cure them. 

TO EXTERMINATE LICE. 
When neglect has permitted the fowls to become stocked 
with lice, the quickest way to get rid of the vermin is to 
smear the bodies of the fowls with grease drippings or lard, 
when it will be found that the lice either disappear or die. The 
fowls must be removed to a clean sleeping place. 

Pulverized tobacco leaves sprinkled about the nests and 
places of the brooders, prevents the appearance of lice. 

The domestic fowlery yard, even on a small scale, well re- 
pays the time and energy necessary to its care. — Mrs. Hattie 
E. Sturgeon, Irving, Illinois." 

[The above article was furnished to me by my sister, 
whose name is given with it.] 

RAISING FRUITS. 

While all localities are not adapted to raising the same 
varieties of fruits, with a little effort the various localities 



820 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

may each produce the peculiar kinds of fruits for which they 
are adapted, and shipping is so easily effected with the present 
facilities, that no locality need lack for an admirable variety 
of fruits at all seasons of the year. One of the greatest draw- 
backs is that everybody is afraid that if they plant a tree, 
they may not live to eat all of the apples, plums, or figs that 
might possibly grow upon it, and so time drags along and 
there is no fruit for anybody. 

And the quanity of fruit that some people plant, makes one 
wonder if it had been planted for a limited number of button 
hole bouquets, instead of having enough of it to eat to satisfy 
hunger with. 

TO DESTROY THE CODDLING MOTH. 

Lime will destroy the coddling moth in the fruit trees, if 
applied, but the application must be made before it works the 
destruction too completely. The lime may be scattered through 
the branches when the dew is on, or just after a rain, or, lime 
water may be sprayed or sprinkled on the leaves. To prepare 
the lime water, add four ounces of lime to two gallons of 
water. 

TO DESTROY THE GREEN WORMS THAT EAT OUR 

CABBAGE. 

Take coal oil, a teacupful ; soap, half as much ; salt, a 
fourth as much ; and water, two gallons. Mix thoroughly 
and it is ready for use. Spray or sprinkle scarce half a tea- 
cupful of the mixture over each plant, from three times to twice 
a week. The writer has dispersed them in this way, and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining fine large cabbage heads. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 821 

TO PREVENT PEAR TREES FROM DROPPING THEIR 
FRUIT BEFORE MATURING. 

To prevent pear trees from dropping their fruit before 
maturing try the following : Make a hole a foot and a half or 
two feet above the ground in the tree, the hole about an inch 
in diameter and from an inch to an inch and a half in depth, 
fill it full of sulphur and close it over with bees-wax. This has 
proved successful, or at least the fruit remained on the trees 
and matured after this was done, a thing which had never 
happened before. 

CANNING AND PRESERVING FRUITS. 
In canning fruit, in order that it be well done, much care 
must be exercised. Well matured fruits must be selected, and 
fruits must be fresh gathered. Fruits that have been gathered 
several days are unfit to be canned, and will not keep. Fruit 
should be canned the same day it is picked; it should be well 
matured, and should be picked before it is heated up with the 
sun. 

Peaches should be washed before removing the skins al- 
ways, whether they are for immediate eating or canning, mak- 
ing into marmalades or used in any way. 

Canned fruits do not keep well if sugar is added, unless 
sufficient is added to preserve, which if this be done they are 
not a canned fruit as we usually understand when speaking of 
canned fruit, but are a sweetmeat. And in addition we are 
disappointed in the flavor. 

Glass is the material for vessels in which to can fruits. 
Tin-canned fruits are undesirable. 

PREPARING FRUIT TO CAN. 

In preparing fruit to can inspection must be made to see 
that there are no imperfections in it, and that it is thoroughly 



822 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

clean. In proportioning the fruit for filling the cans, some 
careful attention in calculation regarding the quantity of fruit 
for each can must be exercised. For most of the fruits usually 
canned, an allowance of one and a half times as much as the 
can will hold before the fruit is heated must be made. Berries 
will require, to fill the can with berries, about one and three- 
fourths times as much as the can will hold before the fruit is 
heated. 

Never add any more water than is absolutely necessary, as 
water impairs the flavor of the fruits. There must be sufficient 
juice or water to cover the fruits, but usually in berries there 
is sufficient juice ; peaches, apples, pears and plums require more 
water added, as the juice does not remove from them very 
considerable by heating. 

Abundance of hot water must be at hand for heating cans. 
A granite vessel serves best in which to heat the fruit; a tin 
vessel will serve but it must be new. This provision is to be 
made when the fruits are not placed in the jars and heated in 
them. 

CANNING THE FRUITS. 

After having prepared the fruits with care, measure suffi- 
cient for the can or cans desired to be filled, and place it in 
the granite vessel with water sufficient and let it heat 
thoroughly and well through to free boiling, then place it in 
the can, and adjust the cap and rubber very quickly and firmly. 
The cans must be previously heated in water, in which it must 
sit till filled and sealed. To heat the cans and prevent break- 
ing, first place the can or cans, in cold water and add hot 
water to heat quite hot. If the heat is brought up in this 
way the can will not break, and it is of the proper temper- 
ature to receive the hot fruit. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 823 

Care must be exercised in handling the fruits that thej be 
not unduly broken up. Several attentions to re-tighten the 
caps of the self-sealing cans must be made during the cooling 
of the fruit ; and also for several days thereafter. 

After the cans are filled they should be placed where the 
light will not fall and remain on them. 

All fruits should be just well ripened, but not to the verge 
of passing into decay. 

Many of the juices of the fruits may be pressed out with- 
out crushing the seeds, treated to heat as for canning fruits, 
placed in cans and sealed the same as the fruits. A pound of 
sugar or sufficient to make palatable may be added to a quart 
of the juice, it permitted to boil up and remove an}' scum that 
may arise, then seal the same as in canning fruits. This is not 
intoxicating, and especially the grape fruits are quite palatable 
and nutritious, are much admired by many, and for the sick are 
quite refreshing. 

The above methods give satisfaction, and are easily carried 
out in domestic fruit canning. 

MAKING PRESERVES, JELLIES AND MARMALADES. 

In making preserves, jellies and marmalades, some testing 
or experimenting is necessary almost every year; some years 
there being more juice in the fruits than other years, necesitates 
either adding more sugar or boiling the fruits longer time. As 
much sugar as fruit, by bulk, meets the requirements nearly 
every year, however. Pears require less sugar than other 
fruits. 

COLORINGS. 

When we view the many faded-shady tints in fabrics that 
have done no service really, a wish arises that it might become 



824 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

once more a fashion to color fabrics instead of simply staining 
them. 

FOR COLORING BRIGHT RED ON SILK OR WOOL. 

Bright red for silk or wool is prepared from cochineal 
chiefly, and was much used in the days when clothes were 
woven by the mothers in nearly every home. Take muriate of 
tin, two ounces; cream of tartar and cochineal, of each, one 
ounce. Confine the cochineal in a little bag, then place it 
and the other ingredients in three gallons of soft water and 
bring it to boiling. Then add the goods, which must have 
been wrung from hot water; let them remain for about fifteen 
minutes, stirring and lifting to insure an even coloring. Now 
lift them out of the dye and rinse them in cold water and 
hang them up to dn^. By adding less cochineal a pink may 
be dyed. This does not fade, and will dye either silk, wool or 
cotton. 

COPPERAS COLOR. 

Copperas color is one of the easiest colorings effected, and 
keeps its color well. Take one pound of copperas and add it 
to two gallons of hot water and heat it to a boil in a kettle ; 
remove it from the fire, and having wrung the fabrics desired 
to be dyed, from equal parts of leach-lye and water, plunge 
them into the dye, and lift and turn them to assure even dye- 
ing. Remove them in about half an hour, rinse them in hot 
water, and hang them up to dry. This is for coloring cotton. 

LEAD OR DRAB COLOR. 
A lead color that is said not to fade, is effected as follows : 
Add half a pound of green tea to six gallons of hot 
water and bring to boil; squeeze out the bag of tea, and add 
to the dye two tablespoonfuls of copperas, stir it till dis- 
solved ; wring the fabrics desired to color from hot water and 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 825 

immerse them in the dye; lift and turn them to insure even 
coloring, and in twenty minutes they may be removed, rinsed 
in warm water and placed to dry. This is for wools. 

A CHEAP DYE FOR BRIGHT YELLOW. 

Boil apple tree bark in twice its quantity of water, by bulk; 
wring the fabric desired to be dyed from mild alum water, 
and after having strained the dye, place the fabrics in it and 
let them remain for three hours, lifting and turning frequently 
to insure even coloring. Then remove from the dye, rinse them 
in warm water and hang them up to dry. This dye will color 
as much fabric as it will well wet up. This dye is for coloring 
cottons. 

FOR COLORING BLUE. 

The indigo blue is a long process to color, but if one desiies 
a blue that will give satisfaction, that will not fade, no mat- 
ter whether pale or dark shades of color be made, this is the 
color that is wanted. To make the dye place three gallons of 
soft water in an iron kettle; add sufficient of leached lye to 
make the water feel soft when passing it through the fingers ; 
sprinkle in this a teacupful of bran from which has been sifted 
the surplus flour ; add half a teacupful of red madder, and con- 
fine in a bag a lump of indigo the size of a teacup if a dark 
color is w anted, or half this size if a paler shade is wanted, 
place it in the dye, covet the kettle and place it where it will 
keep warm. In from five to seven days it will be ready for use. 
When it is ready, however, can be known by there being a blue 
scum over the top of the dye. Place the articles desired to be 
colored in the dye, all that may be without being closely 
packed, and let them remain over night, or twelve to fifteen 
hours. Then wring them out and expose them well to the air 
and permit them to dry. After they have dried rinse them in 



826 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

warm water and dry. Darker or lighter colors may be ob- 
tained by adding less indigo, or by permitting the articles to 
remain in the dye a longer or shorter time. 

BRIGHT RED FOR COTTON AND WOOLS. 
To color a bright red, add five pounds of redwood chips 
and a pound of alum to water sufficient to wet and not pack 
twelve pounds of fabric, placing all of these articles in a brass 
kettle and let it stand for fifteen hours; now place the fabrics 
in the dye and keep hot for half an hour. Remove and rinse 
in hot water. It is said not to fade. 

AN INDELIBLE INK. 

Add half a teaspoonful of lunar caustic, well broken up, to 
half a pint of water and let it stand till the caustic is dissolved 
when it is ready for use. Add a teaspoonful of soda to a tea- 
cupful of water, wet the article desired to mark with this 
water and let it dry. After marking, place the article in the 
sun to dry. 

INEFFACEABLE INK. 

The following ink is said to not be effaced by being buried 
in the ground, or by exposure to weather. Take of sal ammo- 
niac and verdigris, of each, two drachms; lamp black, one 
drachm; water, a gill. Mix well together in a mortar, adding 
the water slowly. Keep it in a glass bottle well stoppered. 
Shake the ink before using, and write with a quill, on bright 
zinc. It is valuable for labeling trees. It might not be amiss 
to write the name of people who are to be buried, and place 
the label inside the coffin under the glass, making it visible to 
the outside of the coffin. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 827 

COPYING INK. 
An ink that is said to copy perfectly, and that does not 
blacken nor act upon metallic pens, is made as follows: "Dis- 
solve seven drachms of dry campeachy wood in eight fluid 
ounces of hot water to which one hundred grains of crystals 
of soda have been added. When dissolved, add one fluid ounce 
of glycerine and twelve grains of neutral chromate of potassa 
dissolved into a little water, and one hundred grains of pow- 
dered gum arabic, also dissolved in as little water as possible. 
Mix all well.— Boetger." 

GLUES AND CEMENTS.— A CEMENT. 

Equal parts of common pitch and gutta-percha melted to- 
gether in an iron vessel makes a cement that is said to not be 
injured by water. Also, that it will mend or finny fasten to- 
gether wood, stone, leather, glass, porcelain, feathers, wool, 
cotton, parchment and linen. 

ANOTHER CEMENT. 

"Rub well together twenty parts of gum arabic, two parts 
of nitrate of lime, and twenty -five parts of water. When care- 
fully done it forms a transparent glue that unites wood, glass, 
porcelain and stone. Apply it to surfaces desired to be united, 
and bind together till dry." — American. 

A GLUE. 
"Dissolve glue in nitric ether, what it will take up; this 
makes a glue of better quality than if dissolved in water. It 
may be made thicker by the addition of a few bits of rubber." 
—Journal of Applied Chemistry. 

A GENERAL MENDER. 
Boil together in a porcelain vessel one pound of acetic acid 
and half a pound of isinglass. When it is dissolved it is ready 



828 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

for use. It is said to mend wood, glass, leather, china and 
shoes. 

CEMENT FOR MARBLE AND ALABASTER. 

Portland cement, six pounds; slacked lime and fine sand, 
of each, three pounds; infusorial earth, one pound. Make it 
into a thick paste by the addition of silicate of soda. No heat 
is necessary. It sets in twenty -four hours. It is said to make 
almost invisible mending. 

A USEFUL CEMENT. 
Take six pounds of each, of sulphur and white lead ; and 
borax, one pound. Thoroughly mix. When the cement of this 
composition is to be wet, it is wet with strong sulphuric 
acid. Much care must be used in handling this. When being 
used, a thin layer of it is placed between two pieces of iron, 
these being at once pressed together and confined. In five days 
it will be perfectly dried and the traces of cement will have 
disappeared, the work having the appearance of welding. This 
is said to be valuable for mending iron railings, iron gratings, 
gratings to stoves and railing tops. 

CEMENT TO STOP THE LEAKS IN STOCK TROUGHS. 

Take pure white lead and red lead, of each, equal parts; 
and water sufficient to mix to the consistence of putty. This 
makes a valuable cement, and is of value for many purposes 
for which a cement is needed. It may be used to stop the 
leaks in troughs, or any such use. It is water proof and is 
said to be steam proof. 

A PASTE FOR VARIOUS LABELINGS. 
A paste for various labelings that is said not to loosen off 
in damp cellars is made as follows: Make a paste of equal 
parts of glue and rye meal ; remove it from the fire and stir into 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 829 

a pint of it half an ounce of turpentine. By adding to the 
above half an ounce of oil varnish and one-fourth of an ounce 
of magnesia, it is much improved. 

A PASTE FOR FANCY WORK. 

A glue for attaching labels to glass, or fancy work, is 
made by dissolving gum tragacanth in water to the consist- 
ence of paste. Also, rice flour made into a paste by well cook- 
ing, makes a colorless paste for fancy work. 

MISCELLANIES. 

A bit of amusement serves a better purpose in some condi- 
tions, in effecting a cure, than medicines. Hence here is some- 
thing to both attract and amuse for one so inclined. 

The following salts introduced into the wick of a spirit 
lamp, the flames will assume the colors named. To introduce 
them into the wicks they may be mixed with spirits of wine. 

Muriate of potash, pale violet; muriate of lime, bright red; 
muriate of strotia, bright crimson ; muriate of baryta, pale ap- 
ple green ; muriate of lithia, bright red ; muriate of copper, 
bluish green ; muriate of borax, green. 

Every thing in all nature presents some symbol or sign, of 
itself, a preamble exhibition, or a that something by which the 
character or essence of the being or thing, may be known, and 
though quite masked in some cases, yet it exists in a way. To 
more certainly designate, mark, or single out habits, to aid in 
this respect and in the human family, names and other sym- 
bols are chosen and presented. The following being a few of 
the curious, amusing or entertaining symbols or emblems of 
some countries: "The violet is said to be the choice of Greece; 
the chrysanthemum, of Japan; the narcissus, of China; the or- 
chid, of Mexico ; the cornflower, of Germany ; the pomegranate, 
of Spain ; the orange and tulip, of Holland ; England has the 



830 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

lovely rose; France, the fleur-de-lis; Saxony, the mignonette; 
Wales, the leek ; Ireland, has its shamrock ; Prussia, the shady 
linden ; some of the Italian states, the white lily ; the Guelps, 
the red lily, and Canada, the sugar maple." 

Mix a solution of common salt, nitre, and alum, let it 
evaporate and watch the result. 

Spectral Lamps. — "Mix common salt with spirits of wine in 
a metallic cup, set the cup upon a wire frame over a spirit 
lamp (which may be enclosed in a dark lantern), and when it 
becomes heated it will ignite and give out a yellow light." 
Salt of strotia, instead of common salt, will give a red light. 

A roughish stick of wood immersed in a solution of alum 
as strong as can be made, let it remain a short time and it 
will be crystalized over. Also, threads of lamp-cotton or can- 
dle wick immersed in a solution of blue vitriol, and alum water 
strong as can be made, will crystalize blue. The result is at- 
tractive. 

Powdered tumeric added to hot alum water will give 
bright yellow crystals ; litmus, will give a bright red ; logwood 
will yield purple; and common writing ink, black crystals. 
Keeping water near these crystals prevents them from break- 
ing. 

Dissolve camphor gum in spirits of wine, moderately 
heated, till it will dissolve no more ; pour some of it into a 
cold glass and it will immediately crystalize into a beautiful 
tree-like form that looks quite pretty. 

Mix one-half of an ounce of nitric acid, six drachms of mu- 
riatic acid and two ounces of water; pour this upon a piece 
of tin plate previously heated. A crystalized feathery surface 
will appear. A tin box may be decorated in this way. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 831 

Writing with a solution of sulphate of iron, the letters 
will be invisible. Brush over with a feather or sponge dipped 
in a solution of nut-galls, and the letters are visible. 

A strong solution of nitrate of silver, will dissolve silver 
and zinc. 

A few drops of tea added to a solution of sulphate of iron, 
the color becomes a blue black. 

Litharge and glycerine make a water-proof cement. It will 
mend iron, fill cracks and crevices, and resist hot water, it is 
said. Wood-ashes added to it will strengthen it. 

TO CLEAN BRASS. 

The old-time method of cleaning brass was first to wash 
the articles in strong soap suds and then polish with newspa- 
per or a woolen fabric, or rub the article with moist wood 
ashes and polish with paper. The results were satisfactory, 
but it required persevering work, yet the method was inex- 
pensive and the articles were not in any way dangerous. The 
following must be applied with a mop and kept out of the way 
of children. After removing grease and dirt with soap and 
water, the following applied gives a brilliant color: Take one 
part nitric acid and half as much sulphuric acid and mix in a 
jar with as much water as the bulk of both; dip a mop into 
this preparation and then into saw dust and rub the brass 
articles desired cleaned. Much care must be exercised in hand- 
ling. This is poison. 

Sulphuric acid, one part; bichromate of potassa, one- 
half as much ; and as much water as the bulk of both of the 
other articles. Mix and apply with a mop. This cleans the 
very dirtiest brass. This is poison. 

Stair rods, brass or iron fenders, or brass door knobs, may 
be quickly cleaned with whiting and ammonia. 



832 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

TO CLEAN RUSTED STEEL. 

Rusted steel may have the rust removed by immersing the 
part or article in coal oil, or wrapping the article in a woolen 
cloth that has been well moistened with coal oil, and let re- 
main for twenty -four hours, then remove, dry and polish with 
chalk or wood ashes. 

TO DESTROY INSECTS ON PLANTS. 

It is said that the juice of tomato plants sprayed or 
sprinkled on plants will destroy the insects on them. Insects 
in a hot house may be destroyed by evaporating tobacco 
water in the hot house without injury to the plants. 

ANOTHER TREATMENT TO DESTROY INSECTS. 

The dust of coal ashes sprinkled about cabbage, cucumber 
vines, currant bushes, and pumpkin vines will destroy bugs and 
other insects. 

TO DESTROY CATERPILLARS. 

The burning of sulphur under the caterpillars' nest will de- 
stroy them. This is but little trouble for a good result. 

TO COLLECT INSECTS FROM BUSHES AND TREES. 

A woolen rag thrown into currant bushes, and also in various 
places in trees, will become the gathering place of many insects, 
which may then be burned. Copperas water, a pound of cop- 
peras to eight gallons of water, has been used to spray on cur- 
rant bushes and trees to destroy insects. 

It is said that saltpetre, a tablespoonful to a gallon of 
water, sprayed or sprinkled over plants will also destroy plant 
insects. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 833 

A CHEAP ICE HOUSE. 

A cheap and serviceable ice house, and one that most any 
farmer may have with but little trouble, may be made by 
building a bin, about as you would a wheat bin; then place 
on the floor two feet thickness of sawdust, stack the squares 
of ice in the center leaving two feet space all around it and at 
the top; now fill all this space with saw dust, and you can 
have ice cream frequently. 

PERFUME FOR THE BATH, HOME MADE. 

Take rose leaves, the petals, and sweet-scented geranium 
leaves sufficient to pack a jar half full; pour over this enough 
glycerine to cover; close the jar and allow to stand for two 
weeks, when it is ready for use. A little of this perfumed gly- 
cerine added to the rinsing water used for the hands and face 
leaves an agreeable odor. Sufficient may be used for rinsing 
the entire surface of the body. 

POLISH FOR IRON FENCES. 
The following polish blacking for iron fences, and various 
iron articles that are exposed to weather and wear, is cheap, 
and any person can apply it, and it leaves more pleasing views 
than rusts and weather-beaten surfaces. The preparation is 
said to stand washing and heat. Take turpentine, sufficient 
quantity for coating the article desired, and add sulphuric acid, 
drop by drop, constantly stirring it in, till a syrupy precipitate 
is formed, and no more of it appears by the addition of more 
acid; then pour on water and stir it well, turn the water off, 
pour on more water and stir again, continuing this till the 
water turned off exhibits no more acid reaction, as shown 
when tested by litmus paper; then place the polish in position 
to drain away the surplus water, when it will be ready for 

40- 



834 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

use. Apply it with a brush, and expose the article to heat to 
dry in or burn in the polish. Remove it and when it is cool 
sufficient to handle, rub well over the black polish with linseed 
oil. 

LIQUID GRAFTING WAX. 

Melt together one ounce of beef tallow and a pound of 
white resin, remove from the fire and when cool add half a 
pint of alcohol, stir it well and bottle it for use. This is said 
to be a good grafting wax. 

GRAFTING WAX SAID TO KEEP FOR YEARS. 

Melt together resin, four pounds; bees-wax and tallow, of 
each one pound. Stir well while melting to thoroughly mix. 
Remove from the fire and work it a little. It may be used at 
once if desired. 

FOR WAGON COVERS AND TENTS. 

Almost any of the good paints that are used for outside 
painting may be used for painting wagon covers, tents, and 
various utilities of canvas. 

CUTTING GLASS. 

It is said that any hard tool will cut glass if it is kept 
wet with camphorated turpentine. Window glass can be cut 
with a file if it is kept wet with spirits of turpentine. The 
writer has effected the same. 

SEALING WAX FOR BOTTLING MEDICINES AND 

OTHER THINGS. 

Melt together one and a fourth pounds of resin, two 
ounces of lard, and one ounce of bees-wax. It is now ready 
for use. It may be colored, if preferred, with a little ver- 
milion. 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 835 

FOR DESTROYING INSECTS ON PLANTS. 

Add tobacco to water, and let it stand all night, then 
spray it or sprinkle it over the plants that have the little green 
lice upon them. This will destroy them, especially those upon 
the rose bushes. 

CLEANING RUSTY INSTRUMENTS. 

"Fill a suitable vessel with a saturated solution of chloride 
of tin in distilled "water, immerse the rusty instruments in it, 
and let remain over night. Rub the instruments dry with 
chamois after rinsing in running water, and they will be of a 
bright silvery whiteness." — The Jour, of the British Dental As- 
sociation, by Brodie. 

A STICKING SUBSTANCE FOR LABELS. 

Take dextrine, two parts; acetic acid, one part; water, five 
parts; alcohol, one pint. Mix and it is ready for use. It may 
also be used for stamps. 

TO MEND GLASS. 

To mend glass that has been broken, apply to the broken 
edges sodium silicate (liquid glass), press the edges firmly to- 
gether, confine in place, and let remain for twelve hours 
when it will be found mended firmly. It is transparent and 
inexpensive. 

TO BLEACH BONES AND IVORY. 

One way of bleaching and disinfecting bones and ivory is 
to immerse them in turpentine. They must be placed in an 
earthen ware vessel, and the articles held from the bottom by 
means of pieces of zinc, and permitted to remain for five or 
six days. 



836 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

TO RESTORE RUBBER BANDS. 
"Old rubber bands and tubings may be restored to former 
elasticity, by allowing them to remain immersed in aqua am- 
monia, one part, and water, two parts, for half an hour." — 
Med. Brief. 

INDICATIONS FOR WEATHER CHANGES. 
"The nearer the time of the moon's changes, the first 
quarter and the last quarter, is to midnight, the fairer will be 
the weather for the next seven days. The space for this cal- 
culation occupies from ten before midnight till two next morn- 
ing. The nearer to mid-day these phases of the moon happen, 
the more foul or wet weather may be expected for the next 
seven days. The space for this calculation occupies from ten 
in the forenoon till two in the afternoon. ,, — Brit. Nat. Med. 
Exchange. 

WAX FOR INLAID FLOORS. 

One pound of granulated or crumbled up soap (Kirk's) ; 
three pounds of Japan wax, and twenty pounds of soft water. 
Mix and boil till of the consistence of thin paste, when it is 
ready for use. It is not sticky. 

A RED POLISH FOR FLOORS. 

Take red aniline, forty grains; spirits of turpentine, three 
quarts ; mix ; add six ounces of each, of resin and gum shellac, 
to a quart and a half of alcohol, and let it stand for two 
days; then mix this with the other ingredients, when it is 
ready for use. 

A USE FOR OLD BRUSSELS CARPETS. 

It is said that old Brussels carpets may be utilized in the 
house economy by converting them into oil cloths for the kitchen 
floor. This is done by tacking the carpet smoothly upon the 



HINTS ABOUT STOCK AND HOME ECONOMY. 837 

floor so it cannot wrinkle, and then applying several coats of 
paint, and following this with shellac. 

DRESSING FOR RUSSET SHOES. 
Take oil of turpentine, twenty ounces ; yellow wax, nine 
ounces; soap (Kirk's), a common sized bar; and boiling water, 
twenty ounces. Mix. It may be colored by safflower being 
boiled in the water before it is mixed with the other 
ingredients. Oxalic acid added to the safflower darkens its 
color. Any shade of aniline colors may be used for the col- 
oring. 

ARTIFICIAL HONEY. 

To ten pounds of very thick syrup add three tablespoonfuls 
of pulverized alum, or cream of tartar, permit it to boil up 
and skim it. Remove from the fire and when cool add two 
pounds of bees' honey, five drops of essence of peppermint and 
and twenty drops of oil of roses. Thoroughly mix. 



GLOSSARY. 



Abdomen, the part between the diaphragm and the commence- 
ment of the pelvis. It contains the stomach and other 
viscera. 

Abdominal Cavity, the hollow space included in the belly. 

Abdominal Viscera, all the organs really contained in the 
abdominal cavity, as the stomach, spleen, liver, kidneys, 
intestines. 

Abnormal, unhealthy; not natural. 

Abscess, a cavity containing pus. 

Acme, the height of the disease. 

Acute, severe ; violent. 

Administer, to prepare and give medicine or food. 

Adipocere, a substance resembling fat and wax, or spermaceti; 
the result of decomposition, degeneration, death of structure. 

Alvine, relating to the intestines. 

Antidote, a medicine given to destroy a morbid cause. 

Antiseptic, a preventer of putrefaction. 

Anus, a circle; the fundament, or lower extremity of the bowel; 
also, a foramen in the brain. 

Aorta, the largest or great artery of the body ; the principle 
arteries of the body arise from it. 

Apparatus, a collection of organs that determine to effect the 
same result. 



GLOSSARY. . 839 

Aromatic, having a pleasant odor, or taste; sweet scented; 
spiced. 

Aspect, the appearance of the features, or the whole body ; the 
condition, or situation of. 

Augmenting, increasing. 

Auricle, a term applied to the upper cavities of the heart ; also 
to the external ear. 

Axilla, the armpit. 

Biliary Affections, diseases due to some morbid condition of 
the bile, as deficient, perversion, excess; generally applied 
to diseases of the liver, kidneys and digestion. 

Borborygm, rumbling in the bowels, due to a morbid accu- 
mulation of gas. 

Bronchial Tubes, the tubes which convey the air to the lungs. 

Bronchitis, inflammation of the bronchial tubes. 

Calculi, mineral substances, as lime, stone, gravel; it may be 
found in the fluid circulations, either in the repairative 
or nutrive fluids, or in the excretive or waste fluids ; occa- 
sionally a morbid deposit may manifest in the bladder or 
kidneys, but rarely. 

Capillaries, a term applied to the smallest blood vessels and 
nerves. 

Capsicum, red pepper. 

Caries, ulcerated or ulcerating bone. 

Cartilage, gristle attached to the ends of bones. 

Cellular Tissue, tissue composed of cells, and which constitute 
the fundamental element of all the organs of the body. 

Cervex Uteri, the neck of the womb. 

Chancre, a syphilitic ulcer. 

Coma, profound stupor, or sleep. 

Condyle, a knob, or projection. 

Congenital, existing at birth. 



840 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Congestion, distention of vessels and parts by engorgement, 
as a morbid accumlation of blood or fluids in some part, 
or undue accumulation of matters within the bowels; the 
condition is accompanied by more or less oppression and 
depression. 

Conjunctivia, the external coat of the eye globe or ball; also 
the lining of the eyelids. 

Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctivia. 

Constipation, inactivity of the excretions from the bowels. 

Contagious, that which is capable of communicating disease 
by direct or indirect contact. 

Convalescing, returning to health. 

Crisis, the height, or turning point of a disease. 

Debilitated, weakened, or enfeebled. 

Debris, the gross, worn-out, and useless materials of the bodily 
economy. 

Decomposition, putrefaction. 

Degeneracy, as used in this work, a declining in health; in- 
creasing destruction or death of the body or part, and de- 
ficiency of the repairative processes. 

Degeneration, the condition of decline; deterioration. 

Dejections, the stools ; discharges from the bowels. 

Detritus, the worn-out, dead, and useless materials of the body. 

Diathesis, any particular morbid peculiarity of the constitu- 
tion. 

Disinfect, to cleanse, to purify. 

Distention, the condition of being swelled, or stretched out. 

Economy, the system's regulation, distribution, adaptation, 
and uses of parts. 

Eczema, an eruption on the surface of the body. 



GLOSSARY. 841 

Effete Matters, worn-out matters or materials; substances 
which have been used and with the excess are cast off, be- 
ing of no more value in the bodily economy, and are called 
effete materials. 

Effluvia, emanations from diseased bodies, as well as all other 
bodies. 

Eliminate, to remove; to discharge, or throw out or off. 

Elimination, expelling; discharging; excreting. 

Emaciation, becoming lean or thin in flesh. 

Eradicate, to eliminate; to root out or destroy. 

Eruption, breaking out of rashes, pimples, etc., on the skin. 

Excoriate, to irritate, wear or rub the skin off; to gall. 

Excretion, this has reference to the expulsion of worn-out mat- 
ters or materials and matters no longer wanted in the 
system. 

Excretory, having the quality of excreting or throwing off mat- 
ters; vessels, organs or ducts for discharges. 

Exhalation, emanation; also the passing out of air from the 
lungs. 

Exhibit, to show; to manifest; to appear. 

Exudation, the act of oozing, flowing, or being discharged by 
force. 

Expulsion, the act of expelling or removing. 

Facilitate, to render less difficult; to lessen the labor of. 

Fatty Degeneration, a condition of degeneracy or decline ; a 
relapsing into feebler and feebler condition of life, exhib- 
iting various grades and degrees in various parts of the 
body, most generally in the entire body. This is associated 
with all types and severities of disease to some extent. 

Fauces, the back part of the mouth or top of the throat. 

Feces, the discharges from the bowels. 

Feculent, filthy; full of dregs; like the feces. 

Fetid, offensive ; bad smelling ; disagreeable. 



842 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Fetus, a term applied to the child while yet in the womb. 

Flaccid, soft; pliable; relaxed; having no resistance; flimsy; 
limber. 

Flatulence, affected with an accumulation of gas in the alimen- 
tary canal. 

Follicles, little bags, sacs or folds. 

Function, the peculiar or appointed office or action of an organ 
or part in the animal economy. 

Gastric, belonging to the stomach. 

Glands, soft, roundish bodies in various parts of the body; 
they secrete different matters, according to the situation 
and function. 

Granulated, exhibiting granulations. 

Granulations, the appearance upon the surface, or the filling 
up of a wound, sore or ulcer by small conical, red, fleshy 
formations or elevations. 

Hallucination, a morbid condition of the mind ; a depraved 
imagination. 

Hemorrhage, a flow of blood ; bleeding; flooding. 

Hepatic, pertaining to, or belonging to the liver. 

Hygiene, the science of the preservation of the health. 

Incontinence, inability to hold the discharges. Also unchaste or 
lewd. 

Inflammation, a morbid condition of a part attended with heat, 
redness, pain and swelling. 

Inoculate, to communicate a disease by ingrafting or inserting 
some of its virus into the skin or body so that it may ex- 
tend throughout the system. 

Intense, in the highest degree. 

Interstitial, between the pores, interstices, or cells of the or- 
gans or parts. 

Intestines, the bowels. 



GLOSSARY. 843 

Intoxication, drunkenness. 

Inversion, turning inside out; tilting over. 

Lassitude, heaviness, dullness and weakness of body or mind ; 

it may be due to disease, exhaustion from labor, or other 

means. 
Ligament, an elastic tendon or cord. 
Local, a manifestation of disease in some special part. 
Lochia, the cleansing discharge from the womb after child-birth. 
Lotion, a preparation for external application in fluid form; a 

wash. 
Lymph, a thin whitish fluid in the lymphatics. 
Lumbago, a name given a manifestation of ailment indicated 

by pain in the loins. 
Mammary Gland, the female breast. 

Maturation, ready to discharge matter; having ripened; de- 
veloped ; come to a head as a boil. 
Meconium, the first feces of the infant. 

Membraneous, having the texture of a membrane, or thin skin. 
Menses, the monthly flow ; usually applied to the flow of the 

female. 
Morbid, diseased ; unhealthy. 

Muco-pus, partaking of the character of mucus and pus. 
Mucus, a discharge from any mucous surface, as from the nose 

during a cold. 
Narcotics, medicines that stupefy or deaden. 
Nasal, pertaining to the nose. 
Nauseated, made sick at the stomach. 
Neutralize, to render inert or inactive. 
Obesity, fatness. 

Os Uteri, the mouth of the womb. 
Ossified, changed or formed into bone. 



844 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

Ovaries, the female testes; two oval bodies appended to the 

uterus and found in the broad ligaments at the fimbriated 

extremities of the fallopian tubes. 
Palliative, a treatment or remedy that lessens the severity of a 

diseased condition. 
Paroxysm, a fit of disease appearing at periods, and may 

be regular or irregular. 
Parturient, bringing forth, or about to bring forth young. 
Pathological, pertaining to pathology. 
Pathology, that department of medicine that treats upon the 

knowledge of disease. 
Pelvis, the large bony cavity of the lower part of the body; 

it contains the lower part of the bowels, womb, bladder, 

vagina, rectum, etc. 
Pelvis of the Kidney, a small cavity or sac in the back part of 

the fissure of the kidney. 
Pervert, to turn from its proper purpose; to distort from its 

true use or end. 
Percussion, striking over parts to ascertain their condition by 

the peculiar sound produced thereby. It is very misleading. 
Perinasum, the part between the rectum and the organs of gen- 
eration. 
Periodicity, the tendency of symptoms to return at longer or 

shorter intervals and may be regular or irregular. 

Periosteum, a thin membrane covering the bones; when this 
membrane becomes inflamed the condition is called peri- 
ostitis. 

Peristaltic, the involuntary, worm-like movements of the bow- 
els are so called. 

Peritoneum, also called peritoneal coat, is a serous membrane 
lining the abdomen and covering most of the several organs 
contained in it. 



GLOSSARY. 845 

Peritonitis, inflamation of the peritoneum. 

Perspiration, sweat. 

Pharmaceutical, pertaining to the preparation of medicines. 

Pharynx, the fauces, top of the gullet and windpipe. 

Physiology, that department of knowledge which relates to 
the laws of life and the functions of living beings. 

Pleura, the serous lining of the thorax, and the covering of 
the thoracic viscera. 

Premonitory Symptoms, the first symptoms indicating ap- 
proaching disease, or sickness. 

Puberty, the age in which one is capable of begetting, or of 
bearing children. 

Puerperal, related to, or connected with the ordeal of child- 
birth. 

Pulmonary, belonging to, or pertaining to the lungs. 

Pulse, the beating of the heart and the arteries ; the beating 
of the arteries is generally most conveniently felt at the 
wrist. 

Purulent composed of, or containing pus. 

Pus, decomposed matter; usually yellowish- white in color. 

Pustules, pimples containing pus. 

Putrescency, decomposition; rottenness; oifensiveness. 

Re-absorption, absorbing again in the system that which has 
been secreted or excreted. 

Recession, striking in; retreating. 

Rectum, the lower bowel or intestine. 

Recumbent position, lying down; reclining. 

Reduction, (in surgery,) adjusting a dislocation or fracture, and 
replacing a hernia. 

Reproduction, the capability which organized beings have of 
producing other beings of the same character or species as 
themselves. 



846 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Reproductive Organs, the organs or parts necessary to the re- 
production of the species. 

Respiration, the act of breathing; inspiration and aspiration. 

Rigors, great coldness with shiverings. 

Sacrum, posterior bone of the pelvis, sustaining the spinal 
column. 

Saliva, the transparent liquid secreted by the parotid, sub- 
maxillary and sub-lingual glands; the spittle. 

Sanguinous, bloody. 

Sebaceous Glands, also called Sebaceous Follicles, small glands 
or sacs in the skin which secrete a fatty or sebaceous 
matter. 

Secretion, the act of secreting ; separation of the various fluids 
or matters from the blood (or various organs), as the bile 
from the liver, the spittle from the mouth, the milk from 
the breast, etc. 

Secretory Organs, those organs the function of which is secre- 
tion of materials, as the liver, the glands of the mouth, 
the glands of the breast, etc. 

Sedation, quieting; diminishing increased action. 

Secundines, placenta and membranes. 

Serous Tissue, membranes of the body which secrete serum; 
they line cavities. 

Serum, the thin, watery part of the blood. 

Slough, the discharges from a foul sore; the part that sepa- 
rates from the living in decomposition. 

Sphincter, a muscle which surrounds certain openings of the 
body, closing them by its contractions. 

Sternum, the breast bone. 

Stools, the evacuations from the bowels. 

Suppurate, to discharge pus or matter. 



GLOSSARY. S4?7 

Sympathetic, the influence which one organ exerts upon an- 
other; when a healthy organ is affected or deranged in its 
condition or function by the reflection of a diseased organ, 
as when headache is consequent from a sour or deranged 
stomach. 

Temperature, the degree of heat or cold. 

Tenacious, sticky ; cohesive ; obstinate. 

Therapeutics, knowledge relating to the curative action of 
medicines. 

Tissues, the materials of organized parts of the body, as flesh 
beneath the skin is cellular tissue ; the bone is composed of 
bone tissue, etc. 

Tonicity, imparting, or having tone or strength. 

Tremors, involuntary shakings or tremblings. 

Tubercle, a name given to a condition of degeneracy, as 
tumors. They are usually of slow progress, and may man- 
ifest in any part of the body. 

Typhoid, a name given to a feeble and greatly depressed condi- 
tion of the general system, accompanying more or less all 
conditions of disease ; a condition in which degeneracy is 
rapid and reparation very feeble, and decreasing. 

Umbilicus, the navel. 

Urea, the organic principle of the urine. 

Ureters, the long tubes which convey the urine from the kid- 
neys to the bladder. 

Urethra, the canal through which the urine is conveyed from 
the bladder and discharged from the body. 

Uric Acid, an acid which is common to human urine. 

Vaccinate, to insert pus under the skin, (usually presumed to be 
the pus from cow pox, ) with the presumption of prevent- 
ing or modifying disease, but it in reality poisons the blood 
and develops serious disease, permanently injurious, fre- 
quently fatal. 



848 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

Vagina, the passage from the womb to the external part. 
Varicose Veins, veins affected with a morbid dilation or enlarge- 
ment in which exhibit soft, knotty, and purplish tumors. 
Venereal, pertaining to sexual intercourse. 
Venom, natural poison. 

Vertebrae, the bones which form the backbone or spinal column. 
Vertigo, dizziness. 
Vesicate, to blister. 
Vesicles, little blisters or bladders. 
Vitiated, corrupted; deteriorated; impaired. 
Voracious, over-eating; greedy; rapacious. 



INDEX. 865 

PAGE 

Balm of Gilead 637 

Balsam Copaiba 638 

Balsam of Peru, and Balsam of Tom 638 

Bayberry 638 

Bear's Foot — Polymnia Uvedalia 639 

Belladonna 639 

Benzoin 639 

Bitt ters weet 640 

Black Alder 640 

Black Willow 643 

Blood Root 641 

Blue Flag 643 

B oneset 641 

Borate of Soda 664 

Bryonia 641 

Buehu 644 

Buckhorn Brake 641 

Burdock 642 

Camphor 644 

Canada Fleabane 650 

Capsicum 645 

Castor Oil 646 

Chlorate of Potassa 647 

Chloroform 648 

Cinnamon 648 

Cloves 649 

Cotton 649 

Cream of Tartar 661 

Digitalis 649 

Elder 650 

Flax Seed 650 

42- 



866 THE MEDICAL ADVISER, 

PAGE 

Garlic G51 

Gentian ■. 652 

Ginger '. 651 

Glycerine 652 

Golden Seal ' 653 

Horseradish , 653 

Hot Water 671 

Houseleek 652 

Ipecacuanha 654 

Jalap 654 

Leptandra 654 

Lettuce 655 

Licorice 655 

Lobelia 655 

Nux Vomica 655 

Peppermint 660 

Phytolacca 661 

Podophyllin 657 

Poke 655 

Pol} mnia Uvedalia " 639 

Prickly Ash 661 

Quinine 669 

Salt 664 

Salts 662 

Silkweed 662 

Slippery Elm 663 

Soap 664 

Soda 664 

Spirits of Turpentine 662 

Sulphate of Copper 665 

Sulphate of Zinc 669 

Sulphur 665 



INDEX. 867 

PAGE 

Sweet Flag 666 

Tannic Acid or Tannin 667 

Wax ; 668 

White Oak 667 

Whortleberry 668 

Wild Yam 668 

Wintergreen 669 

Witch Hazel 667 

Yeast 669 

Yellow Dock 642 

PART EIGHTH. 

SYRUPS, LOTIONS, OINTMENTS, ETC. 

SYRUPS. 

PAGE 

Alterative Cough Syrup 675 

Coffee Syrup 680 

Cough Mixture 680 

Cough Syrup— Dr. Joseph Cobb's 674 

Cream Syrup 681 

Dr. Joseph Cobb's Cough Syrup 674 

Horseradish Syrup 677 

Lemon Syrup 679 

Nectar Cream 681 

Simple Syrup — Preparation 674 

Soothing Syrup 676 

Syrup of Balsam Peru 680 

Syrup for Cholera Infantum in Babies 676 

Syrup of Garlic 678 

Syrup of Ginger 679 

Syrup of Horehound 678 



868 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Syrup of Lobelia 678 

Syrup of Squills 677 

Syrup of Tolu 680 

Syrup of Wild Cherry 679 

Syrup of Yellow Dock 677 

LOTIONS— WASHES. 

Bath for Sprains, etc 683 

Eye Wash 682 

Golden Seal Lotion 681 

Golden Seal and Gun Powder Lotion 683 

Wash for Sore Mouth 682 

FOMENTATIONS — POULTICES. 

Another Poultice 685 

Fig Poultice 685 

General Observations 683 

Hot Sand Bags 686 

Hot Water for Hurts ., 685 

Rotten Apple for Hurts 686 

Slippery Elm Poultice • 685 

INJECTIONS. 

Anti-Spasmodic Injection ....688 

Observations 687 

INFUSIONS— DECOCTIONS. 

General Observatons 689 

Compound Infusion of Parsely 691 

Infusion of Sage 690 

Hoarhound Tea 691 

LINIMENTS. 

A Cheap Liniment 693 

A Diffusive Liniment 693 



INDEX. 869 

PAGE 

A Family Liniment 695 

A Liniment for All Around Purposes in a Family 693 

Ammonia Liniment 693 

An Excellent Liniment for Stiff Joints 694 

Another Liniment for Stiff Joints 694 

A Stimulation for Stiff Joints 694 

Coal Oil, Its Various Uses, Old and New 695 

Compound Stillingia and Salt Petre Liniment 692 

Everybody's Liniment 695 

Liniment for Stiff Joints 694 

Rheumatic Liniment 693 

Stillingia Liniment 692 

OINTMENTS, OR SAEYES. 

A Healing Ointment 697 

Balm of Gilead Ointment 700 

Camphorated Vaseline 696 

Domestic Salve 698 

Elder Salve ! 701 

Every Day Salve 703 

For Barber's Itch 703 

For Dry Tetter 702 

Ointment for Bruises 701 

Ointment for Salt Rheum and Various Other Sores on the 

Head 1 699 

Ointment for Scurfy Scalp 700 

Ointment of St. John's Wort 699 

Poke Ointment 699 

Resorcin Ointment 697 

Soothing Ointment 697 

Sticking Salve 698 

Sulphate of Zinc Ointment 699 



870 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PAGE 

Sulphur Ointment 701 

Sulphur Ointment for Cure of "Seven Years' Itch" 702 

Wood Soot Ointment , 701 

PART NINTH. 

SOME CASES -EMBODYING TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT 
OF DISEASES FREQUENTLY MET AND THEIR 

TREATMENT. 

A Case 711 

A Case 712 

A Case,— A Child 711 

A Case.— Not Bright's Disease 715 

A Case of Bad Biliousness 712 

A Case of Melancholia Promising Insanity 705 

A Case of Nervous Prostration 709 

A Case Promising a Break-down 710 

A Case.— Rectal Ulcer 717 

A Case. — Requiring Proper Treatment 716 

A Case.— Shaking Palsy 718 

A Case of Supposed Brain Trouble 714 

A Case of Supposed Cancer of Throat and Mouth 706 

A Case of Supposed Heart Trouble 704 

A C<*se— That School Boy and Girl 708 

A Case— What Was Done Without the Knife 718 

PART TENTH. 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTS. 

Accidents from Electric Wires 730 

Antidote for Oxalic Poison 730 

Antidote for Strychnine Poison 732 

Apoplexy 733 



INDEX. 871 

PAGE. 

Bees- Wax Dressing for Minor Cuts and Wounds 725 

Chloroform Accidents 730 

Emergency Man agements 722 

Fainting 733 

For Cleansing Wounds 724 

For Curing Poison from Poison Oak 728 

For Painful Wounds 725 

For Resuscitating the Apparently Drowned 732 

Fractures 725 

Geneneral Observations 719 

Greater Injuries. 723 

Observations 721 

Observations in Conditions of Injuries 726 

Opium Poison 729 

Poison By Accident , 731 

Poison From Drinking Concentrated Lye 731 

Remedy for Lock-j aw 732 

Snake Bite .....726 

Sprains 726 

To Check Hemorrhage from Wounds 723 

To Remove Dust or Cinders from the Eyes 734 

To Stop Bleeding From the Nose 723 

BRIEFS FOR PERPLEXING MOMENTS. 

A Cure for Rheumatism 740 

A Morbid Condition Requiring Prompt Attention 748 

An Old Domestic Remedy for Sore Throat 746 

Another Cure for Itch 739 

Another Remedy for Removal of Swellings 738 

Apparent Death from Convulsions 749 

Apples as Medicine 739 

A Valuable Pharmacopia 742 



872 THE MEDICAL ADVISER, 

PAGE 

Colic 750 

Cure for Acne, and Removal of Blotches 744 

Cats, Wounds and Bruises Generally 737 

For Dispersing Offensive Odors from Sores .........737 

For Removing Articles Swallowed by Children 746 

For Shortening the Duration of a Felon 746 

For that Filled Up Throat 751 

For that Headache, that Dizzy Head 740 

For the Aged 744 

Heat Sores and Cold Sores 743 

Hemostatic Powder , 747 

Long Life 743 

Melancholia. — Insanity 750 

Nervous Prostration 742 

Observation. — Discontent 744 

Observations on Home Life 745 

Old Domestic Remedy for Curing Chills 739 

Peri odic M anifest atio ns 740 

Progressive Alcoholism 738 

Quick Relief for Stranguary 747 

Relief in Sudden Swellings 751 

Remedy for That Dry Husky Throat 748 

Removal of Discolorations from Bruises 746 

Substitute for Morphine 745 

The Effects of Taking Arsenic as a Medicine 745 

The Piece of Ground We Live On 744 

Things to be Remembered in the Treatment of the Eyes 734 

Things to be Remembered in the Treatment of the Eyes 738 

To Prevent Suppuration in Wounds 737 

Turpentine as a Laxative 737 

Ulceration of the Soft Palate 741 

Valuable Observations on Longevity 735 



INDEX. 873 

PAGE 

Value of Flushing the Colon 748 

Vegetarians 743 

What the People Do 739 

PAET ELEVENTH. 

SHORT STOPS. 

A Cause of Blindness 761 

A Cure for Asthma 776 

A Cure for Deafness 764 

A Cure for Erysipelas 764 

A Cure for Hiccough 774 

A Cure for Hoarseness 765 

A Jaundice Cure 778 

An Observation Well Worth Remembering 755 

An Old Domestic Remedy for Itch 772 

An Old Remedy for Dropsy and Piles 776 

Another Cure for Itch 777 

Another Cure for Kidney Trouble 767 

Another Prevention of Small Pox 775 

Another Remedy for Curing Ring Worm, Shingles and Itch. ..775 

Another Remedy for Removal of Tape Worm 761 

Another Remedy for Ring Worm 773 

Anti-Convulsion Remedy 770 

Antidote for Lice 779 

A Remedy for Dispersing Itchings, Irritations and Excoria- 
tions About the Rectum and the Vulva 766 

A Remedy to Bring Out the Measles 762 

A Singular Cure for Jaundice 765 

A Valuable Local Application for Enlarged Tonsils 768 

A Quick Help to Relieve Croup 778 

Bacteria 759 

Burns from Carbolic Acid 775 



874 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Calendula 777 

Danger of "In the Swim" 768 

Definitions of Science and Quackery 776 

Drinking Water 760 

For that Discolored, Dirty Skin 767 

For Dispersing Rheumatic Swellings 775 

For Removing Superflous Hair 774 

For Removing Warts and Corns 779 

For Rheumatic Joints 774 

For That Aching in the Limbs, Body or Head 768 

Freaks of Science in Surgery 764 

Good for Bowel Troubles 778 

Hot Air 757 

Lac Sulphur for Membraneous Croup 774 

Linim ent for Sprains 770 

Linseed Oil a Cure for Asthma 769 

Microbes 759 

Observation 761 

Observations of Abcess of the Liver and Gall Stones 771 

Observations of the Young Man and Young Woman 761 

Observation of Value 753 

Observations on Conditions Favorable to Carbuncle 757 

Observation on Foods 772 

Observations on Professional Progress 770 

Observations on the Human Family 758 

Oil of Seven Pines 767 

Oils for Children 770 

Old Womans' Remedy for Croup 766 

Opacity of the Cornea 772 

Over- work 760 

Ragweed for Bowel Troubles 778 



INDEX. 875 

PAGE 

Remedv for Catarrh of the Bowels and Disturbances of 

the Stomach 764 

Remedy for the Cure of Burns 766 

Remedy for Old Sores 774 

Remedy for Whooping Cough 763 

Remedy to Stop the Flow of Blood from Wounds 776 

Spanish Needles 777 

Strawberry Leaves for Tea 765 

That Body of Yours 769 

The Danger in Taking Chloroform 758 

The "Natural Bone-setter" 762 

Those Nerves 763 

To Clear the Voice 761 

To Sober a Drunkard 768 

To Stop a Felon 765 

Tracheotomy 760 

Treatment for Threatened Croup 773 

Vigorous Poisons 761 

Weak Eyes 772 

Why So Many People Wear Glasses 762 

PART TWELFTH. 

DONT'S 

PAGE 

Danger of Carbola,ted Application 789 

Danger in Morphine, Chloral, Cocaine 789 

Dirty Dirt 782 

Entertaining the Doctors 783 

Every Part of the Body Necessary to Assure Harmony of 

the Whole Body 781 

Eye Troubles 788 

Getting Sick 783 



876 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Great Eating. — Deficient Alvine Action 788 

Happiness is to Be Found. — Where 784 

Idleness is Not Beneficial 785 

Idle Reading 786 

Incongruous Names of Diseases 788 

In Important Matters Who to Consult 787 

Lead Preparations About the Eyes 789 

Literature Contagious Danger 786 

Medicines Cannot Fill All Needs 782 

Remedy in Fevers 787 

Save for the Senile Comforts 787 

Shedding Tears 783 

Taking Too Much Medicine 782 

The Most Ignorant 786 

To Begin in Childhood 787 

Where to Invest Money 784 

Why Out of a Job? 785 

PART THIRTEENTH. 

MUCH OF UTILITY HERE AND THERE. 

A Cure for Some Skin Itchings 793 

A Face Powder 794 

An Improver for Old Floors 794 

An Old Domestic Furniture Improver 796 

Another Floor Improver 795 

Another Remedy 793 

Another Prevention from Moths 801 

Breath Disinfectant 793 

Cleansing Lamp Trimmings 801 

Cologne for Destroying Lice on the Head and Body 791 

Diarrhea in Measles 792 

Foods 792 



INDEX. 877 

PAGE 

For Polishing Furniture 796 

For Removing Blood Stains from Silk 797 

For Removing Grease and Soilings from Woolens and Silk... 796 

For Whitening and Softening the Hands 793 

General Observations 790 

Good Ointment 793 

Perfume Satchets 794 

Prevention From Moths 795 

Pure Apple Cider a Good Medicine 792 

Rheumatism and Painful Joints 793 

To Bleach Feathers or Human Hair 796 

To Clean a Meerschaum Pipe 800 

To Clean a White Felt Hat 797 

To Clean Spots from Carpets 799 

To Clean the Lamp Burner 801 

To Find the Quantity of Paper for a Room 791 

To Freshen Eiderdown Comforts 800 

To Improve the Light 801 

To Prevent Lamp Chimneys from Being Smoked 801 

To Prevent Silverware from Turning Black 800 

To Remove Black Machine Grease 798 

To Remove Fruit Stains 797 

To Remove Grease Without Injury to Color 798 

To Remove Iron Rust 798 

To Remove Mildew from Silk Fabrics 799 

To Remove Mildew from Wash Fabrics 799 

To Remove Mother's Marks 791 

To Remove Paint from Cotton or Wool Fabrics 798 

To Remove Resin and Pitch 797 

To Remove Rust from Stove Pipes 800 

To Remove Soils and Stains from White Paint 794 

To Remove Spots from Leather 800 

Waterproof Shoe Blacking 801 



878 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PART FOURTEENTH. 

MUCH OF GOOD VALUE. 

PAGE 

A Good Remedy to Have on Hand 806 

Animal Flesh Eating 802 

Another Remedy for Removal of Tape Worm 802 

Clay as a Dressing for Various Hurts 804 

Cremation of the Dead 808 

Cure for Chilblains 806 

Cure for Enlarged Tonsils 805 

For Curing Rhus Poisoning 806 

For Old Sores 803 

For Skin Sores 805 

Long Preserved Wreaths 808 

Observations on Activity in Old Age 807 

Observation on Science 808 

Observations Regarding the Aged 809 

Remedy for Sobering from Alcoholic Intoxication 802 

Salve for Caked Breasts 803 

Something More About Carbuncle 805 

Sudden Loss of Hair 807 

The Renovator 804 

PART FIFTEENTH. 

A FEW HINTS ABOUT STOCK, AND THE FARM HOME 

ECONOMY. 

A Cheap Dye for Bright Yellow 825 

A Cheap Ice House 833 

A General Mender 827 

A Glue 827 

A Good Condition Powder 811 

An Indelible Ink 826 

Another Cement 827 

Another Treatment to Destroy Insects 832 



INDEX. 879 

PAGE 

A Paste for Fancy Work 829 

A Paste for Various Labelings 828 

A Red Polish for Floors 836 

Artificial Honey 837 

A Sticking Substance for Labels 835 

A Useful Cement 828 

A Use for Old Brussels Carpets 836 

Bright Red for Cotton and Wools 826 

Canning and Preserving Fruits 821 

Canning the Fruits 822 

Cement for Marble and Alabaster 828 

Cement to Stop Leaks in Stock Troughs 828 

Cleaning Rusty Instruments 835 

Colic in Horses 811 

Colorings 823 

Copperas Color 824 

Copying Ink 827 

Cutting Glass 834 

Distemper 813 

Domestic Stock 810 

Dressing for Russet Shoes 837 

Epizo otic 814 

Farm and Garden Miscellany 816 

For Coloring Blue 825 

For Coloring Bright Red on Silk or Wool 824 

For Destroying Insects on Plants 835 

For Wagon Covers and Tents 834 

Glues and Cements. — A Cement 827 

Grafting Wax Said to Keep for Years 834 

Heaves.... 812 

Hints in the Care of Domestic Fowls 816 

Indications for Weather Changes 836 

Ineffaceable Ink 826 



880 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Lead or Drab Color 824 

Lice 813 

Liquid Grafting Wax 834 

Making Preserves, Jellies and Marmalades 823 

Miscellanies 829 

Observations on Care of Horses...., 815 

Perfume for the Bath, Home made S3S 

Periods of Gestation of the Lower Animals 815 

Polish for Iron Fences 833 

Preparing Fruit to Can 821 

Raising Fruits 819 

Scratches and Grease Head 813 

Scurf or Mange 812 

Sealing Wax for Bottling Medicines and Other Things 834 

Selecting a Horse :. 815 

Sprains and Bruises 814 

To Bleach Bones and Ivory 835 

To Clean Brass 831 

To Clean Rusted Steel 832 

To Collect Insects from Bushes and Trees 832 

To Cure Cholera and Roup 817 

To Cure the Gapes 819 

To Cure the Scabby Legs 819 

To Destroy Caterpillars 832 

To Destroy Insects on Plants 832 

To Destroy the Coddling Moth 820 

To Destroy the Green Worms that Eat Our Cabbage 820 

To Exterminate Lice 819 

To Mend Glass 835 

To Prevent Trees from Dropping their Fruit before Mature 

ing 821 

To Restore Rubber Bands 836 

Wax for Inlaid Floors 836 

W^orms 813 



INDEX. 

PAET FIRST. 

THE HUMAN BODY. 

PAGE 

A Love of the Beautiful 69 

Absorption and the Lymphatics 35 

Air 53 

Alcohol.— Alcoholic Drinks 103 

Baths 60 

Bedding 56 

Clothing 50 

Cheerfulness 74 

Child-Labor 115 

Crueltv of Vivisection 114 

Development of the Human Body 19 

Digestive Apparatus 22 

The Mouth 22 

The Stomach 23 

The Small Intestines ' 25 

The Large Intestines 26 

The Liver 27 

The Pancreas 27 

The Spleen 28 

Dwellings 63 

41- 



850 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Excretion 36 

Exercise 58 

Experience . 76 

Facts and Fallacies 97 

Foods 48 

Getting Above One's Self. 82 

God's Messenger's 70 

Hard Work 77 

Heat, or Warmth of the Body 53 

Home 66 

Hospitals 112 

Hunger 43 

Hydrophobia 99 

Life and Death 9 

Love of the Mysterious 95 

Measure of Attainment 75 

Mental Occupation 73 

Miasm.— Malaria 97 

Music 71 

Nurses 83 

Nutrition 34 

Observation About the Bones 15 

on Education 87 

on the Elements Composing the Body 19 

on Literature 76 

on Modesty 83 

on the Marvelous Perfection of the Body 46 

on Various Matters 116 

Paying the Doctor 110 

Pest Houses 94 

Protecting the People from Quackery 110 

Prospective 74 



INDEX. 851 

PAGE 

Quiet 57 

Recreation 73 

Secretion 35 

Selecting a Family Adviser 104 

School Tortures 89 

Schools. — The Product they Send Out 84 

Sleep 54 

Specialists in the Treatment of Disease 108 

Structure of the Human Body 20 

Sunday 69 

The Blood 32 

The Circulatory Apparatus 28 

The Divining Rod 102 

The Human Body, its Parts and Its Structure 11 

The Skull 12 

The Trunk 13 

The Upper Extremities 14 

The Lower Extremities 14 

Articulations. — Toints 16 

Cartilage 17 

Fibrous Tissue 17 

Muscular Tissue 17 

Nerve Tissue 18 

Adipose Tissue 18 

The Human Family, Worshippers 68 

The Mad-Stone 102 

The Nervous System. — Its Functions 44 

The Respiratory Apparatus 30 

The Scare Doctor 109 

The Skin 42 

The Urinary Apparatus 37 

Its Functions — Its Disturbances 39 



852 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PAGE 

Time 79 

Water 51 

Yaccinnation 91 

PART SECOND. 

GENERAL DISEASES. 

PAGE. 

Abdominal Distress of Babies 226 

After Effects from Lightning Stroke or Shock 330 

Ague, Chills and Eever .....204 

Anaemic Glandular Fever. — Herpes Zoster. — Shingles 209 

Apoplexy 218 

Apparent Death from Lightning Stroke or Shock 330 

Appendicitis — Impacted Colon 149 

Asthma 252 

A Treatment Anyone Can Take 159 

Bad Blood 228 

Bilious Vomiting 194 

Black Death 310 

Brain Fever — Inflammation of the Brain , 208 

Brain-Rest and Sleep 146 

Cardiac Dropsy 239 

Catarrh 249 

Catarrh of the Bladder or Urinary Organs .176 

Cerebro Spinal Meningitis — Spotted Fever 202 

Chicken Pox 288 

Chlorosis 311 

Cholera 163 

Cholera Morbus 165 

Constipation of the Bowels, Convulsions and Other Conse- 
quents 143 



INDEX. 853 

PAGE 

Consumption, Pulmonary 233 

Contagious Danger 298 

Contagious Diseases 298 

Convulsions 220 

Coriza — Nose Run 254 

Cramps in the Feet and Legs 312 

Croup 255 

Deformities 313 

Delirium Tremens 241 

Delirium Tremens. — Other Recommendations 242 

Dipththeria 258 

Diseases, or Disturbances of the Alimentary Canal 133 

Diseases of the Heart 189 

Disturbances of the Digestive Organs 133 

Disturbances About the Urinary Organs. — Observations 321 

Dreadful Disturbance 226 

Dropsy 238 

Drug, or Medicine Eruptions and Diseases 289 

Effects of Extreme Cold 330 

Enlargement of the Spleen — Ague Cake 137 

Epilepsy 195 

Erysipelas 230 

Excessive Flow of Urine 175 

Fainting 215 

Fear Disease 147 

Fevers 196 

Fistula in Ano .155 

For the Aged 145 

Frost Bites 309 

Gall Stone 168 

Gastritis, Enteritis, Dysentery 162 

General Instructions 126 



854 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PAGE 

Gleet : 156 

Goitre 303 

Gout 213 

Hay Fever 251 

Headaches 265 

Heart-burn 193 

Helpful Suggestions for Elderly People 316 

Hemorrhage from the Nose 232 

Hemorrhage From Stomach or Bowels 151 

Hiccough 166 

How Long Have We to Live 329 

Hydrocele, or Dropsy of the Scrotum 159 

Hysteria 139 

Incontinence of Urine 181 

Inflammation of the Liver 129 

Influenza 244 

Insanity 323 

Itchings of the Hands 300 

Jaundice 169 

''Knots in the Bowels" 145 

"Know Thyself" 325 

Leprosy 297 

Locomotor Ataxia 314 

Long Continued Morbid Condition of the Liver 130 

Malarial Fever 207 

Measles 267 

Miliary Fever 300 

Milk-Sickness 242 

Mouth Breathing 148 

Mumps— Paroditis 274 

Negro Cachexy 301 

Nervous Affections or Diseases 141 



INDEX. 855 

PAGE 

Neuralgia 157 

Obesity 224 

Observe 158 

Observations, General 123 

on Croup 257 

on Diphtheria 262 

on Glandular Enlargements 153 

on Irritating Disturbances 180 

—Obesity 225 

—Sanitary 332 

Old Age 315 

Opium 322 

Painter's Colic 307 

Palsy 214 

Paralysis 216 

Piles — Hemorrhoides 154 

Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs 247 

Prolapsus of the Rectum, or Lower Bowel 152 

Retention of Urine 177 

Rickets 278 

Scalding or Burning Accompanying Micturition 176 

Scarlet Fever 270 

Scurvy 171 

Sit Erect, Walk Erect, Stand Erect 327 

Sluggish Condition of the Liver 129 

Small Pox 280 

Small Pox, Prevention of. 285 

Small Pox— A Case , 285 

Small Pox— Other Cases 286 

Small Pox — Many Recommendations 287 

Something for Nothing 302 

Sore Throat 263 



856 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Speakers and Singers 147 

Stammering 313 

Stone in the Bladder, or Urinary Calculi 184 

Stranguary 177 

Stricture of the Urethra 179 

Stricture of the Rectum 152 

Sudden Deaths 145 

Sun Pain 308 

Syphilis 290 

Tetanus or Lock-jaw 305 

The Key Note 227 

The Liver—Observations 127 

The Tape Worm 188 

Tobacco Habit 277 

Treatment . — Brief, but Successful 296 

Typhoid Fever 198 

Ulcerations of the Liver 130 

Uraemia 172 

Vaccine Disease. : , 288 

Varicocele 161 

Worms 185 

Whooping Cough 273 

PAET THIRD. 

SORES AND WOUNDS-THEIR NATURE AND TREATMENT. 

PAGE 

Anchylosed Joint 341 

Bed Sores 366 

Boils 355 

Broken Limbs 336 

Burns and Scalds 367 

Burns from Gunpowder 368 



INDEX. 857 

PAGE 

Bursa — Housewife's Knee 344 

Carbuncle 352 

Carbuncular Boil of the Face 355 

Carcinoma, or Cancer 345 

Caries of the Bones 343 

Dislocation of the Wrist 338 

Dressing for Bed Sores 370 

Felons 357 

Gangrene 362 

General Observations on Sores and Wounds 334 

Milk Crust 365 

Observations on Sores and Injuries 349 

Other Dislocations 339 

Parasites 371 

Poultice, A 351 

Proud Flesh 361 

Ring Worm 362 

Ring Worm — Other Recommendations 363 

Salt Rheum or Eczema 364 

Scald Head 363 

Seven Year Itch, or Prairie Itch 372 

Shoulder Dislocations 340 

Sores and Disturbances of the Nasal Cavities 361 

Sores of Various Types 368 

Sprains 342 

Stiff Joints 342 

Synovitis 340 

Ulcers 359 

Varicose Veins 343 

Wounds from Insect Bites 336 



858 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PART FOURTH. 

AILMENTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 

PAGE 

Abdominal Supporter During Pregnancy 411 

Abnormal Presentations ...453 

Abusive Treatment of the New Baby 479 

Additional Care of the Parturient Woman 427 

Additional Observations in the Care of Children 489 

After-Pains 436 

Anesthetics During Labor 439 

Antiseptics and Disinfectants for Parturient Patients 439 

Attention to Habits Regarding Their Health 487 

Attention to the Breasts 430 

Baby Rash, or Infantile Rash 471 

Blindness 455 

Boys' Change — From Boyhood to Manhood 390 

Breech Presentation 45 3 

Care and Cleansing of Nursing Bottles 467 

Cancer of the Uterus 526 

Change, The 381 

Children's Fevers 491 

Children Should Be Governed 486 

Children — Their Care and Management 473 

Cholera Infantum 497 

Clothing 488 

Coming Down of the Cord 455 

Conduct of the Third Stage of Labor 423 

Cramps in the Lower Limbs 411 

Delirium 441 

Dentition. — Observations on 482 

Diseases of Females 506 

Dismenorrhea 522 



INDEX. 859 

PAGE 

Displacements of the Uterus 513 

Disturbances of Infants and Children 474 

Dressing the Cord 461 

Duration of Gestation 414 

Education of the Daughters 382 

Exercise 488 

Extra Uterine Pregn ancy 459 

Feeding Infants and Children 480 

First Wash of the New Baby 459 

Flooding After Delivery, or Post-Partum Hemorrhage 440 

Frequency of Urination in Infants and Children 504 

Gynecology 504 

Headache of Children 496 

Heart-burn During Gestation 408 

Helpful Hints 458 

Hemorrhage from the Navel 463 

Hives ." 472 

Inversion of the Uterus 516 

Involution of the Uterus 452 

Jaundice During Pregnancy 410 

Labor in Case of Twins 427 

Large Abdomen in Children and Infants 503 

Leucorrhea 519 

Lochia 43 7 

Marriage 379 

Masturbation 529 

Milk Leg — Septicaemia 449 

Miscarriages and Abortions 457 

Monopause, The 387 

Monstrosities . — Deformities 459 

Moral Responsibility of Children 486 

Morning Sickness 406 



860 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 

PAGE 

Mother's Mark.— Father's Endowment 412 

Monthlies, or Catamenial Flow 383 

Motion 414 

Nervousness in Children 494 

Night Terrors 503 

Observations — Excoriations and Scaldings 465 

Obstetrics.— Midwifery 393 

Observations on Caring for the New Babe 462 

on Disinfectants 434 

on the Generative Organs 518 

for the Nursing Mother 432 

for the Pregnant Woman 402 

on Women' s Ailments 506 

on Prolonged Labor 444 

on Puerperal Fever 448 

When Baby Frets 478 

Observe When Croupy Symptoms Appear 490 

Parturition or Labor 415 

Parturition or Labor 420 

Personal Cleanliness of Girls. — Also Women 386 

Personal Cleanliness of Children 487 

Position of and Management of the Woman in Labor 420 

Premature or False Labor Pains 410 

Preparations for Confinement and Some Necessary Atten- 
tions 419 

Preparation of the Bed 420 

Prevention of, or Control of Conception 397 

Progress (?) 531 

Prolapsus of the Uterus, or Falling of the Womb 515 

Protecting the Perinaeum 455 

Puerperal Convulsions 434 

Puerperal Septicaemia (Child-bed Fever — Blood Poison) 444 



INDEX. 861 

PAGE 

Punctuality or Promptness 486 

Rest After Delivery 429 

Resuscitating the Apparently Still-born 427 

Rigidity of the Os Uteri 443 

Second Stage of Labor, the 422 

Septicaema and the Curette 449 

Signs of Pregnancy 401 

Sleep 488 

Slowness or Rapidity of Labor 443 

Some Arrangements of the Parturient Woman's Room 416 

Some General Observations ,.483 

Sore Eyes of the New Babe 464 

Sterility 525 

Stomatitis — Thrush, Aphthea 492 

Suggestions Regarding the Construction of Baby's Apparel.. 466 

Swellings 527 

The New Babe 469 

Those Visitors 433 

Threatened Miscarriage 457 

Tongue-Tied 472 

Too Frequent, Excessive or too Prolonged Menstrual Flow... 524 

Too Prolonged Flow After Childbirth 438 

Transverse Presentation 454 

Tying and Cutting the Cord 423 

Ulceration of the Navel 463 

Upward Displacement of the Uterus 515 

Using Forceps in Deliveries 456 

Uterine Fibroids 525 

Vaginal Injections 439 

Varicose Veins 408 

Vomiting During Parturition 442 

Vomiting During Pregnancy 407 



/ 



862 THE MEDICAL ADVISER. 



PAGE 

Will the New Woman Marry? 376 

What Women and Men Should Know 373 

Woman. — Her Mission. — Her Sphere 373 

Women's Unwillingness to Become Mothers 395 

PAKT FIFTH. 

CARE OF THE FACE.-TREATMENT OF ITS AILMENTS. 

PAGE. 

Aching, Tired Eyes 562 

A Hair Tonic 579 

A Type of Sore Hands 580 

Black or Bruised Parts 546 

Bony Growths in the Ear 571 

Care of the Eyes — General Observations 550 

Care of the Ears — General Observations 568 

Care of the Feet 582 

Care of the Hands 580 

Care of the Teeth 567 

Cataract of the Eyes 560 

Conjunctivitis 554 

Corns 583 

Crossed Eyes 562 

Day Blindness 563 

Exopthamic Goitre 565 

Facial Miscellany 549 

Foreign Bodies in the Ears 572 

For Keeping the Hair in Place 579 

For Imparting Brilliancy to the Hair 578 

For Whitening and Softening the Hands 581 

Freckles , 540 

General Suggestions 534 

General Suggestions for Treating Ailments of the Eyes 553 



INDEX. 863 

PAGE 

Granulated Sore Eves 558 

Hair Tonic, or Sea Foam 579 

Helpful Hints 546 

Infantile Sore Eyes 566 

Ingrowing Toe Nails 583 

Moist Feet 584 

Moles 544 

Nervous Twitchings About the Eyes 562 

Nettle Rash and Hives 544 

Observations in the Care of the Ears 572 

Offensive Odors About the Body 548 

Polypus of the Ear 571 

Removing Pigment Stains and Brown Discolor ations 543 

Scars 541 

Selecting Spectacles 553 

Short Sightedness 563 

Soaps 548 

Soothing Cream 549 

Sores on Children's Feet 585 

Stinking Feet 584 

Styes 545 

Superfluous Hair 547 

The Hair. — Its Care, and Observations Regarding It 574 

The Nose 546 

The Weeping Eye 561 

Tinting the Finger Nails 581 

Tired, Bruised Feet .' 584 

To Trim the Finger Nails 581 

Warts 544 

Watery Eyes 561 

White Spots on the Face 542 

"Wild Hairs" 564 



864 THE MEDICAL ADYISER. 

PAGE 

Wrinkles 541 

PART SIXTH. 

OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE SICK. 

Articles of Utility in Caring for the Sick 605 

Care of the Sick 601 

Coffee 627 

Deodorizants — Disinfectants 610 

Drinks for the Sick 624 

Foods For, and Feeding the Sick 613 

General Observations 587 

Meats 620 

Milk 618 

Observations on Fruits 622 

Observations on Vegetables 622 

Other Useful Drinks 629 

Tea 626 

PART SEVENTH. 

REMEDIES.-SINGLE REMEDIES. 

Aconite 634 

Alcohol 635 

Allspice. 635 

Alum 635 

American Senna 636 

Anise 636 

Anti-Bilious Physic 656 

Apocynum 636 

Aqua Ammonia, or Spirits of Hartshorn 636 

Arnica 637 

Arrow Root 637 



